Meaning: The quote "Flattery in courtship is the highest insolence, for whilst it pretends to bestow on you more than you deserve, it is watching an opportunity to take from you what you really have" by Sarah Fielding touches on the complex and often duplicitous nature of flattery, particularly within the context of courtship. Sarah Fielding, an English author and sister of the novelist Henry Fielding, was known for her astute observations on human behavior and relationships. In this quote, she delves into the theme of flattery and its underlying motives, highlighting the inherent insincerity and potential harm that can be associated with it.

Flattery, the act of praising or complimenting someone excessively and insincerely, is often employed in courtship as a means to win favor, affection, or advantage. However, Fielding's assertion that flattery in courtship is the "highest insolence" suggests that it is not merely a harmless or benign form of communication. Instead, she argues that flattery in the context of courtship represents a particularly egregious form of insolence, or disrespect, as it involves deceitfully pretending to offer more than is deserved while harboring ulterior motives.

The quote suggests that flattery, when used in courtship, is not a genuine expression of admiration or affection, but rather a calculated strategy to manipulate and deceive. By pretending to bestow exaggerated praise and admiration, the flatterer seeks to create a false sense of worth and desirability in the recipient. This artificial inflation of the recipient's self-worth sets the stage for the flatterer to exploit the perceived vulnerabilities or insecurities of the recipient, ultimately aiming to "take from you what you really have."

Fielding's assertion that flattery in courtship is akin to "watching an opportunity to take from you what you really have" underscores the underlying duplicity and self-serving nature of flattery. The act of flattery, which initially appears complimentary and flattering, is revealed to be a facade concealing a predatory intention. The flatterer, by insincerely elevating the recipient's self-worth, seeks to gain leverage and advantage in the courtship, ultimately aiming to exploit the recipient's genuine qualities, assets, or affections for their own benefit.

Furthermore, Fielding's choice of the word "insolence" to describe flattery in courtship carries a weight of moral judgment. It implies that the act of flattery, particularly when employed in the vulnerable and intimate context of courtship, is not only deceptive but also disrespectful and contemptuous. The flatterer's presumption to manipulate the recipient's emotions and perceptions through insincere praise and admiration is portrayed as an act of insolence, a brazen affront to the recipient's dignity and authenticity.

In conclusion, Sarah Fielding's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the complexities of flattery, particularly within the realm of courtship. By highlighting the duplicitous nature and underlying motives of flattery, she challenges the conventional perception of flattery as a harmless or benign social nicety. Instead, Fielding's quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential harm and manipulation that can be inherent in flattery, especially when employed in the delicate dynamics of courtship.