Shakespeare masterfully uses metaphors to allow Iago to cast shade on other characters. In the course of the text, Iago compares Othello to an animal, Roderigo to a purse, women to sex objects, etc. However, Iago’s insults place himself in a dark light as well. In (2.3.52-54), Iago says to Roderigo, “Now my sick fool/Roderigo,/Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out”. In this, Iago figuratively alters Roderigo into a moldable object that is manipulated by love. He personifies love while metaphorically objectifies Roderigo. Iago’s habit of turning people into objects, and objects into people, shows how twisted Shakespeare planned for us to perceive the goings of Iago’s dark mind.
Shakespeare characterizes Iago using euphemisms. In (1.1.96-98)
Shakespeare characterizes Iago using euphemisms. In (1.1.96-98)