60 minutes; 2 questions; 40 marks; 20% of GCSE
Respond concisely…
Leonato, governor of Messina, receives a letter informing him that Don Pedro of Aragon is arriving in Messina that evening.
Leonato and the Messenger discuss the recent military victory, noting that few men were lost and that Don Pedro has honoured a young soldier, Claudio, for his exceptional performance.
The Messenger praises Claudio, describing his bravery as surpassing expectations, and mentions that Claudio's uncle in Messina is overjoyed by the news.
Beatrice interrupts the conversation, asking sarcastically about the return of Signor Benedick, referring to him as "Signor Mountanto."
The Messenger clarifies that Benedick has returned, and Beatrice continues to mock Benedick, joking about his exaggerated accomplishments in the war.
Beatrice and the Messenger engage in playful banter, with Beatrice highlighting Benedick's appetite and diminishing his military achievements by calling him a "valiant trencherman."
Leonato explains to the Messenger that Beatrice and Benedick share a "merry war" of wits, where they often exchange sharp remarks.
Beatrice continues to mock Benedick, suggesting he is unreliable, comparing his loyalty to the changing fashion of hats, and ridiculing his tendency to form fleeting friendships.
The Messenger reveals that Benedick is often in the company of Claudio, prompting Beatrice to joke that Benedick is like a disease that Claudio has caught and will struggle to recover from.
The scene concludes with Leonato commenting on Beatrice's resilience, to which Beatrice responds with a witty remark about never going mad "till a hot January," highlighting her strong and independent personality.
The Messenger announces the approach of Don Pedro to close the scene.