Meaning: The quote "A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims" by Douglas Jerrold is a witty and insightful observation about the behavior of a coquette. In this quote, the term "coquette" refers to a woman who flirts or behaves in a teasing, lighthearted manner to attract attention and admiration from men. The comparison of a coquette to a recruiting sergeant suggests that a coquette is constantly seeking new conquests or victims to captivate and manipulate.

Douglas Jerrold, the author of this quote, was an English playwright, humorist, and social critic who lived in the 19th century. Known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on society, Jerrold often used his writing to humorously highlight the follies and vices of human behavior. This quote reflects his astute understanding of human nature and the dynamics of romantic relationships.

The comparison of a coquette to a recruiting sergeant is particularly striking because it evokes the image of someone actively seeking out new targets for their own gratification. In the context of romantic relationships, a coquette's behavior can be seen as manipulative and self-serving, as they may use their charm and allure to captivate and then discard individuals without genuine regard for their feelings. By likening a coquette to a recruiting sergeant, Jerrold cleverly captures the predatory nature of this behavior, highlighting the relentless pursuit of new "victims" by the coquette.

The term "coquette" itself has historically been associated with a certain type of feminine charm and flirtatiousness, often with an implication of insincerity or superficiality. The coquette is someone who may enjoy the attention and admiration of others, but may not be genuinely interested in forming lasting or meaningful relationships. Instead, they may thrive on the excitement of pursuit and conquest, constantly seeking new admirers to validate their desirability.

Jerrold's comparison also sheds light on the power dynamics at play in relationships where a coquette is involved. By likening the coquette to a recruiting sergeant, he highlights the active and deliberate nature of their pursuit, as well as the potential impact on those who become ensnared in their charms. The notion of "fresh victims" implies that the coquette's behavior may have detrimental effects on those who are drawn into their orbit, perhaps leaving them feeling used or discarded once the coquette's attention has moved on to a new target.

In summary, Douglas Jerrold's quote "A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims" offers a pointed and perceptive commentary on the behavior of a coquette. Through this comparison, Jerrold captures the manipulative and predatory nature of the coquette's pursuit of attention and admiration, as well as the potential harm it may cause to those who become entangled in their web of allure. This quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and power dynamics inherent in romantic relationships, and it exemplifies Jerrold's keen insight into human behavior and social dynamics.