In “Women and Men in Othello: “What should such a fool do/do with such a good woman?” ", critic Carol Thomas Neely argues that almost all of Othello's rational thinking comes from women. According to Neely, the men in Othello are too consumed by pride, jealousy, and socio-political pressure to think clearly and, as a result, resort to rash behavior and "destroy the women who laugh at them" (142). to preserve their sense of honor. Although Neely may be correct here, his argument that the women in Othello are entirely reasonable is not strong. If these women were fully rational, they would care about themselves and perhaps not meet such a tragic end. Instead, women remain passive and allow brash men to do most of the fighting in the battle of the sexes that is William Shakespeare's Othello. This article examines the development and results of this battle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One example of Othello's sexual politics has to do with double standards. Othello's men are exempt from traits highly valued in women, such as Desdemona's purity and devotion. While Desdemona's purity is "blackened" by her undying love for Othello (Adelman 126), Othello's masculinity and his reputation as a Casanova earn him respect and admiration. Indeed, Othello's "conquest" of the woman his men most desire does as much to strengthen their opinion of him as his rank as a general. Julia Genster writes that the bonds formed in the military ranks have a direct correlation to a sexual power structure (785); the soldiers' desire for Desdemona and power – Othello's two “possessions” – therefore creates an intriguing sexual dynamic between Othello, his wife, and his men. While true "male friendship, like male courage, is, in the play, unfortunately deteriorated by the Renaissance Ideal" (Neely 144), the ideal of male conquest and colonization runs rampant with regard to possession and the consumption of the most basic materials available: women and bragging rights. Neely explains that "since the reputation and manhood that men covet are acquired in competition with others, they are all 'jealous of honor'" (143). For example, Neely explains: "Iago is critical, envious, and resentful – of Cassio's position and his 'everyday beauty,' Othello's love and power, perhaps even Rodrigo's wealth and rank" ( 143). The decisions of Iago and the other men to act on their loathsome and jealous impulses are considered acts of honor. If Othello were to stand alongside a woman who was allegedly unfaithful, he would be effectively emasculated in the public eye. It's the fear of loss of credibility or reputation that causes jealous men to act irrationally, and it's so cold. political pressure that allows them to continue their real cockfight, even in the face of tragic consequences. Even though Othello's women bear the brunt of these tragic consequences, the argument remains that they are more rational and less competitive than the men. Neely points out that "Desdemona's willingness to 'endure general mockery' is evident in her flight and defense, as well as in her request to go to Cyprus" (145), and that "Emilia braves scorn to defend her mistress, “Let heaven, men and demons, let them all cry shame against me, and yet I will speak” (V.ii.222-23)” (145). Because they do not fear an attack on their, 1993.