Effective Use of Rhetoric in Othello Shakespeare's use of rhetoric by his characters is clearly used effectively in Othello through Iago and Roderigo's conversation with Barbanzio. The two make use of double meanings, animal images, comparisons between Devil and God, the use of sexual references and descriptive insults to confuse Barbanzio and make him angry towards Othello. Through Iago's initial torment, continued by Roderigo, they manage to force Barbanzio to do exactly what they wish. Above all, Iago exploits the double meaning of the word thieves to get Barbanzio out of bed and force him to confuse himself with the situation. Iago and Roderigo shout “thieves, thieves” to the sleeping Barbanzio, who wakes up believing that there are thieves in his house. However, Iago quickly changes the meaning of the word from common house robbers to mean that Desdemona is gone from the house, "stolen" by Othello. This double pun confuses Barbantio and Iago manipulates him ...