This poem begins with a paradox, "Much Madness is divinest Sense" basically saying that those who are mad actually have the most sense. I think this paradox is effective because to me, it really is an opposite statement that contains truth. Sometimes, people who go off on their own ideas and don't follow the path set by society, often achieve the most success.
The speaker states later in the poem that "assent-and you are sane-demur-you're straightway dangerous-and handled with a chain". I think this is saying that society often wants people to conform. If people agree with the rules set by society and go along with what society says is right then they are considered normal. Those who stray away from society and strive to be different are considered "weird" or "strange" or "insane". They are treated badly just for being different. I think the speaker is saying that it's okay to be different and those who are different are actually the wisest of everyone.
This poem makes me think of the movie Legally Blonde. Elle Woods is a typical sorority girl living in a society that classifies her as a dumb blonde whose only good trait is her looks. However, she breaks out of the sterotypes and decides to enroll in Harvard Law School. Everyone thinks she is insane and crazy, but she proves them all wrong and solves a murder case.
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