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Undoubtedly ... there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. What bears affinity to cunning is despicable.
— Jane Austen • Pride and Prejudice
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An editorial interpretation.
The speaker sharply criticizes the tricks some ladies use to win attention, calling it meanness. Anything resembling cunning is described as despicable. It's a moral judgment against manipulation in courtship, favoring honesty over clever scheming to charm someone.
Context reviewed