People
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
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
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