"Much Madness is divinest Sense" by Emily Dickinson: Paradox

       In the poem, "Much Madness is divinest Sense" by Emily Dickinson,  there is a large paradox.  This paradox is stated at the beginning of the poem, but it takes over the entirety of the poem.  The "discerning Eye" (Dickinson, 830) is the person who is intelligent and who pays close attention to details.  This type of person sees insanity as good sense.  But the speaker says that the majority believes that good sense is insane and unattainable.  Dickinson juxtaposes these two ideas to make a point and to tell the reader what she thinks.  Dickinson agrees with the first statement.  She puts emphasis on this paradox throughout the poem and especially the importance of the first statement.  Dickinson says the majority believes the latter statement.  She also juxtaposes assent and demur at the end of the poem.