A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims

A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims

Douglas Jerrold, a prominent English playwright and satirist of the 19th century, was known for his sharp wit and keen observations of society. In one of his famous quotes, Jerrold likened a coquette to a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims. This comparison speaks to the manipulative and predatory nature of a coquette, a woman who flirts and leads men on for her own amusement.

A coquette is someone who enjoys the attention and admiration of others, particularly men, but has no intention of forming a genuine emotional connection. She is skilled at using her charm and beauty to manipulate and seduce, often leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake. Like a recruiting sergeant who is constantly seeking new recruits for the army, a coquette is always on the lookout for new conquests to add to her list of admirers.

Jerrold's comparison highlights the predatory nature of a coquette, who sees men as mere targets to be pursued and conquered. Just as a recruiting sergeant is focused on enlisting new soldiers to serve in the army, a coquette is focused on adding new admirers to her collection. She thrives on the thrill of the chase and the power she holds over men, using her feminine wiles to manipulate and control them.