Some of Boromir's weakness and the reason he acted the way he did I believe have to do with him being male.

I had two little boys (and was also a little boy) and, as anyone who has had little boys, I know that they are up for adventure, danger, being powerful/aggressive……these things are a part of the masculine design from birth, they are hardwired for it.

You don’t have to live on this planet long to realize that girls are not like that. Just lead a youth group for a while!

You don’t have to tell a boy to explore, build or conquer because that is his built in purpose. So I feel the motives of every male in the cast of LotR would be effected by this on some level. But just because all males are the same in gender doesn’t mean they are the same in strengths, weaknesses, interests, ability, etc. (Conquering in battle is much different than conquering a difficult composition of music…) That leaves for a very wide masculine response to the Ring throughout the books depending on the character.

So I think we could say that Boromir's desire to use the Ring comes partly from his masculine soul. Like Vikingmaiden has brought up in another forum on Boromir, as a man he wants to be recognized for doing something great, he wants the affirmation of comrades. He wants to conquer and win. (Just like all little boys!)

It is true, Galadriel struggled with the ring too but from my experience and understanding I would say that it was for different reasons. If you read it, it is more about her being beautiful and fair beyond comparison, where she finishes with, “All shall love me and despair!”
Not quite what you would expect Boromir to ever say!

And so instead of putting all the blame on Boromir’s pride and other weaknesses I think we should seek to understand him in some way also through the perspective of his masculinity.

Thanks Lady Rinoa. I appreciate your comments. They make me think farther. Masculine and feminine characteristics certainly can't account for everything. It is just a piece of the puzzle I think.

I can think of powerful women throughout history who seemed more masculine and of many men (including myself) who seem to come across as less masculine, at least in socially stereotyped roles and actions.

This is a good thing I think. There truly is a wide variation in any culture. But, in some cases, especially an agressive leader and protecter like Boromir, the masculine shines out naturally strong.

Do you think that there is a pivital difference in the way the sexes process thought and how they approach life, even thought we can approximate each other?

It is completely up to each person how they want to interpret it.

I wish that he had lived longer and gotten more of a chance to show his strength.

I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me "Even now there is hope left." But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored.

True-hearted Men, they will not be corrupted. We of Minas Tirith have been staunch through long years of trial. We do not desire the power of wizard-lords, only strength to defend ourselves, strength in a just cause. And behold! in our need chance brings to light the Ring of Power. It is a gift, I say; a gift to the foes of Mordor. It is mad not to use it, to use the power of the Enemy against him. The fearless, the ruthless, these alone will achieve victory. What could not a warrior do in this hour, a great leader? What could not Aragorn do? Or if he refuses, why not Boromir? The Ring would give me power of Command. How I would drive the hosts of Mordor, and all men would flock to my banner!