Othello Act I

As Othello opens, Shakespeare uses synecdoche to show the feelings Iago and Roderigo have for Othello. Roderigo refers to Othello by saying, "What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe/If he can carry't thus!" the use of synecdoche shows that Iago and Roderigo do not even see Othello as human. Iago's true character is revealed through little comments throughout the play. The racist feelings Iago and Roderigo have for Othello are shown by their referring to him as "thick-lips." Iago must be a pretty evil guy to start this whole revenge scheme mostly because Othello is black. I mean I get the whole "oh he may or may not have slept with my wife" thing. That's just a typical reaction, but I guess the fact that Othello is black makes it all the better for Iago. Then Iago goes on to get Roderigo to make money for him. I would definitely call that manipulation. True villains don't use their own money, every self-respecting villain knows that (it's like how cool guys don't look at explosions).