Yes, but not my style of woman: I like a woman who lays herself out a little more to please us. There should be a little filigree about a woman--something of the coquette. A man likes a sort of challenge. The more of a dead set she makes at you the better.
In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," a character expresses a preference for women who are more overt in their efforts to attract attention. He suggests that a certain level of charm and seduction is appealing, indicating that a woman's playful or flirtatious demeanor enhances her attractiveness. He believes it is exciting when women pursue men with determination, implying that a challenge in attraction holds value.
This perspective reflects traditional views on gender roles in relationships, emphasizing that men often enjoy the game of courtship and a woman's active involvement in that pursuit. The character’s statement reveals his belief that a woman’s willingness to engage and entice enhances both the dynamics of attraction and the overall romantic experience.