The correct answer is option B, which is, it is unnecessarily elaborate. Benedick indicates that Claudio's new way of speaking is a "fantastical banquet", implying it is unnecessarily elaborate, like an overdone and hard-to-digest meal.
When Benedick refers to Claudio's new way of speaking as a "fantastical banquet," he means that Claudio's words have become unnecessarily elaborate and perhaps overly complex.
Just as a banquet with many strange dishes might be overwhelming and excessively ornate, Claudio's language is now filled with flowery expressions and convoluted phrases that seem excessive to Benedick, who is used to Claudio's former plain and direct manner of speaking.
This metaphor suggests that Claudio's words have become showy and are hard to digest, much like an over-the-top, lavish meal.
The metaphor of a banquet implies a variety of different elements or dishes, suggesting that Claudio's speech has become ornate and intricate, resembling a feast with an abundance of diverse and, in this context, extravagant expressions.
This choice of words by Benedick suggests that Claudio's communication style has shifted from being plain and straightforward to something more convoluted and fanciful, which could be confusing or challenging to understand.
Therefore, option B, "it is unnecessarily elaborate," accurately captures the essence of Benedick's criticism.
Complete Question -
Read the excerpt from paragraph 2 of the passage.
"He was wont to speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man and a soldier; and now his words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many strange dishes."
What does Benedick mean when he says Claudio's new way of speaking is a "fantastical banquet"?
A. It is confusing.
B. It is unnecessarily elaborate.
C. It is unusually commanding.
D. It is precise.