There is a fine line between madness and genius. Some of the greatest minds of our history were considered to be relatively mad. However, their genius won out because they are famous for their brains rather than notorious for their evil madman-like qualities simply because they were smart enough not to be evil madmen.
This poem focuses on the differentiation between sanity and insanity, and the tone is one of resigned understanding of the views society has on insanity. The speaker also addresses the pressures associated with conforming to society as opposed to having radical views. She is resigned to the fact that no one can win when it comes to fitting into society. When she says, "Assent - and you are sane - / Demur - you're straightaway dangerous," the speaker is trying to demonstrate how judgmental society is, how black and white decisions are when viewed by a whole community. Madness produces sense, and great sense is only madness.
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