Alienation Unit 4

Much Madness is divinest Sense
Emily Dickinson

Much Madness is divinest Sense is a poem in which Dickinson speaks of the little occurence of differing, accepted opinions in society. Dickinson speaks of how the majority seems to rule in almost every instance. "Demur-you're straightway dangerous-and handled with a Chain-"(Dickinson, 830). This quote from the poem is saying that whenever anyone begins to follow their own opinion, they are quickly guided back with the majority. I feel as though Dickinson has a slight bitter resentment for society. I feel as though she thinks that society is trying to keep everyone's opinion in uniformity with all of the other opinons. If someone were to think unconventionally, then their thoughts would immediately be shut down by higher authorities that control the majority's accepted thoughts. This poem reminded me a little bit of Ayn Rand's Anthem. This story, like Much Madness is divinest Sense, shows society trying to control the thoughts and actions of each and every individual. It seems as though each person cannot be capable of forming their own acceptable thoughts. Each person must have their thoughts and opinions approved by the majority.