Blog #2

Much Madness is Divinest Sense by Emily Dickinson

Contrary to popular belief, this poem supports the idea that those who are mad actually posses great sanity. It is those who subside and restrain their minds under the majority that are considered insane. The author makes the point that those who go against the majority are found to be insane and harmful, but those who agree with the majority are considered normal and rational. The majority is physically free, but their minds are restrained by their united thoughts. On the other hand, those who do not side with the majority are mentally free, but are considered insane by the rest of society.Although ones first thought may be to side with majority since it is the easier route to pursue, Dickinson challenges readers to follow a different path. I feel that this poem serves as inspiration and motivation to not live like the majority. Dickinson is making the point that one does not have to live like the majority and that people have both the choice and ability to live differently. Dickinson creates a paradox when she states," Much Madness is divinest Sense,"( Dickinson, 830). Many find that it is the insane who are mad, but Dickinson makes readers question if the so called sane  are actually mad.