What impression is gained of Benedick through Beatrice?

Answer 1

Beatrice, in Act I Scene 1 gets into a debate with the messenger just so she can abuse Benedick in his absence. The messenger is confused, since he thinks that Benedick is a good man and a good soldier, which is true. Some of the things she says are:

"I pray you, how many hath he killed and eaten in these wars? But how many hath

he killed? for indeed I promised to eat all of his killing."

(By which she implies that he is a coward).

"he is a very valiant trencherman; he hath an excellent stomach."

(By which she implies that he eats too much)

In response to "And a good soldier too lady" she replies "Ay, a good soldier to a lady, but what is he to a lord?"

(By which she implies that he is courageous when chatting up women, but a coward when called upon to attack a man.)

" he is no less than a stuffed man: but for the stuffing,--well, we are all mortal."

(By which she implies that he is less than he appears to be, and seriously flawed.)