Original artwork, not a still
Pride and Prejudice • 1813
Undoubtedly ... there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. What bears affinity to cunning is despicable.
Behind the line
What it means
Our 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
