Effective Use of Rhetoric in Shakespeare's Othello

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Effective Use of Rhetoric in Othello

Shakespeare’s use of rhetoric by his characters is clearly used effectively in Othello through Iago’s and Roderigo’s conversation with Barbantio. The two make use of double meanings, animal imagery, Devil and God comparisons, the use of sexual references, and descriptive insults to confuse Barbantio and make him angry towards Othello. Through Iago’s initial torment, continued by Roderigo, they are able to force Barbantio to do exactly as they wish.

Iago primarily makes use of the double meaning of the word thieves to get Barbantio out of bed and force him to be confused with the situation. Iago and Roderigo call out “thieves, thieves” to the sleeping Barbantio, who wakes up believing that there are thieves in his house. However, Iago quickly switches the meaning of the word away from common house thieves to mean that Desdemona is gone from the house, “stolen” by Othello. This double word play confuses Barbantio and Iago manipulates him ...

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