This question is based on William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. 'She bore a mind that envy could not but call fair' The statement above characterizes

Analyze the question: The line "She bore a mind that envy could not but call fair" is a quotation from Twelfth Night, Act 3, Scene 4. Antonio says it of Viola (disguised as Cesario) in praise of her character. Wait, I should check this carefully, because the speaker and the target matter.

Recall the source: The line actually comes from Act 3, Scene 4 in Olivia's speech? Let me work it out. In Act 2, Scene 1, Sebastian speaks of his sister Viola, who he believes has drowned:

"A lady, sir, though it was said she much resembled me, was yet of many accounted beautiful. But though I could not with such estimable wonder overfar believe that, yet thus far I will boldly publish her: she bore a mind that envy could not but call fair."

So the speaker is Sebastian and the subject is his sister, Viola.

Explain the concept: Here Sebastian is talking to Antonio about his twin sister, whom he thinks was lost in the shipwreck. He says that even those who envied her could not deny that she had a beautiful (virtuous) mind. The line praises her inner character, not just her looks.

Eliminate the other options:

• Maria is Olivia's witty gentlewoman, who is not described this way.
• Olivia is a countess, and Sebastian is not speaking of her here.
• Roderigo is not in Twelfth Night at all. He is a character in Othello.

Answer: The statement characterizes Viola, which is option D.

Exam tip: When you see a quotation about a "sister" or someone presumed drowned in Twelfth Night, think of Viola and Sebastian, the twins. Also watch for names from other plays (like Roderigo from Othello), since JAMB often uses them as distractors.