‘ I thank thee for the wisdom which thy lips Have thus let fall among us : prythee tell From what high source, from what philosophies Didst cull the sapient notion of thy words?’
Through Socrates’ choice of words in this passage, he comes across as arrogantly dismissive. Using sarcasm, he comments, what on the surface sounds like a compliment: “I thank thee for the wisdom which thy lips / Have thus let fall among us,” as actually belittling. The phrase “have thus let fall among us” portrays her input as something not freely given or valued; it was blurted out and unsolicited. His snide questions: “From what high source, from what philosophies / Didst cull the sapient notion of thy words?” imply that even if her words were worthy, they could not possibly have come from her own mind. Socrates shows no genuine respect for Xantippe, acknowledging her only in the limited capacity allowed to women in domestic spaces. Amy Levy’s choice of including this passage reflects her broader interest in exposing the ways women’s intelligence and emotional lives were devalued. By featuring Socrates’ dismissive tone, Levy demonstrates the societal conditions of Victorian women like herself, who were often denied intellectual recognition and confined to narrowly defined roles. Just as Xantippe is belittled despite her perception, Victorian women faced systemic obstacles to being taken seriously. This makes Levy’s dramatic monologue a commentary on the ongoing marginalization of women’s minds.