One definition of madness is mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it. But Emily Dickinson wrote: Much madness is divinest Sense /To a discerning Eye. Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a discerning Eye. Write about a character’s apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role (Example: Norm would be perhaps an easy choice – but what about Luther Nedeed???). Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. (Adapted from 2001 AP Lit Prompt)
