Much Madness is divinest Sense - Emily Dickinson

The key figurative language used in this poem appears to be paradoxes. The overall paradox is that Madness is Sanity and Sanity is Madness. Dickinson makes the statement in this poem that by agreeing and conforming all of the time, one is insane. However, sanity can be found in disagreeing. Additionally, a warning is made in this poem. When Dickinson states that those who object are put in manacles, there is an alternate meaning. These people who object to the government or other higher power will often times be declared as insane and put away into jail or an asylum to prevent them from influencing others thoughts. The paradoxes in this poem help to exemplify Dickinson's underlying theme and idea. I believe that this idea still exists strongly today, as things are "swept under the rug" by the government at times to prevent disagreement.