"If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, The one's for use, the other useth it." II.i.139-130
I think the way the different characters view and treat women says a lot about who the characters are. Iago is a very self-centered character and views women as objects. He states that women are only good to "suckle fools and chronicle small beer". He thinks that women are good for making babies and belong in the home, meaning he doesn't value their opinion at all. Cassio is a very noble and loyal character. He treats women with respect and holds Desdemona's hand when speaking to her. Also, Othello is a very respectful and honest man and didn't trick or seduce Desdemona, but made her fall in love with him with his stories. This showed that he respected women and didn't just use them for sex, he actually loves Desdemona. The way the husbands treat their wives also affects the women's views of themselves. Emilio is treated poorly by Iago so she has a hard time standing up for herself and giving herself more credit. Desdemona has been treated right by Othello and her father so she isn't afraid to stand up for herself and view herself as more than an object. She is quick to question Iago when he criticizes women.
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