"Much Madness is divinest Sense"

“Much Madness is divinest Sense” by Emily Dickinson

                This poem presents a paradox of insanity is good sense and that good sense is insane. Dickinson mentions a majority, which takes what is insane and sane into a narrower perspective. “Tis the Majority in this , as All prevail—assent—and you are sane—demur—you’re straightway dangerous,” (Dickinson). This excerpt describes how someone is perceived as sane or insane. If one disagrees with the majority because they are sticking to their beliefs, the public will see them as insane. This aligns with the paradox that insanity is good sense. One may be considered insane by the majority, but they know their beliefs and are not willing to surrender those beliefs just because the majority disagrees with those beliefs. If one agrees with the majority, they have good sense and are sane. This message correlates with the paradox that good sense is insane. Just because the majority thinks something is right or good, does not mean it is. By agreeing with the majority, one is insane because they are submerging themselves to the rules of the majority and not their own beliefs.