Much Madness is Divinest Sense Poem Analysis

In a brief series of prose, Emily Dickinson's poem "Much Madness is Divinest Sense" packs a mighty punch. The poem’s theme examines what might be defined as sanity in one culture but could be viewed as madness in another.

Dickinson’s poem can be explained very easily because it is quite literal. For example, it opens with "Much Madness is divinest Sense - To a discerning Eye - Much Sense - the starkest Madness -’Tis the Majority". What first appears as a paradox is quickly decoded to highlight the sharp contrast between individuals who believe everything they hear and people who don’t; the people who ask questions. What Dickinson is saying is that the minority of humans on this earth have the ability to see through things and question them, but are seen as crazy by others for doing that. In contrast, she is saying that something that seems to make sense to a larger number of humans is in fact the most outrageous thing. Additionally, it seems to say there is a feud between these groups because the people who realize how insane some ideas are, are then seen as the crazy ones for not believing. The ones who are feebleminded then rise in power due them being afraid of diverse ways of thinking. 

Emily Dickinson’s claim of how more people believe in ludicrous ideas than not, and subsequently attack others that don’t, isn’t a claim but a fact that can be found throughout time. History always repeats itself, and in this instance, it is in the form of attacks on minorities. One example of this is, some people who fall into organized religion believe the strange stories that were written by man. That is more generally accepted because it is perceived as normal, but when people question these stories and realize how insane they are. They are then seen as crazy and judged. This echoes back to the poem, seeing as "The Majority" finds sense in the biggest madness. Upon a closer look, it could be concluded that Dickinson’s poem is about this religious debacle, but it is left open-ended to prompt one critical question.

Ms. Dickinson’s poems were written over a century ago, but her thoughts and words are timeless. The poem is at first displayed as light-hearted and almost optimistic on the surface. When delving deeper, a dark sense of harsh consequences and persecution for being a logical thinker rises to the forefront. The poem answers its question for itself. It isn’t supposed to just be words written to read and admire. The poem is for us, you and me. It is meant to make you question everything and provoke thoughts about yourself, to make you think about yourself. Ultimately, to think to yourself, are you "The Majority" or the "Discerning Eye"?