"Snobbery? But it's only a form of despair"

In this quote, Joseph Brodsky is suggesting that snobbery is not merely a screen of arrogance or superiority, but rather a symptom of ingrained misery. He is implying that those who engage in snobbery are really fighting with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, and utilize their viewed supremacy as a defense mechanism. By identifying snobbery as a kind of anguish, Brodsky is highlighting the negative and damaging nature of this behavior. He is also challenging the concept that snobbery suggests confidence or success, and rather, depicts it as a reflection of inner chaos and misery. Eventually, Brodsky's words work as a tip to look beyond the surface and comprehend the underlying inspirations behind people's actions.