Mirth is the mail of anguish meaning

What a fascinating phrase!

"Mirth is the mail of anguish" is a quote from the American poet and playwright, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). In this phrase, Dickinson is suggesting that laughter and joy (mirth) can be a way to mask or conceal deep pain and suffering (anguish).

The word "mail" is an old-fashioned term for a covering or a wrapping, so the phrase can be interpreted as saying that mirth is a kind of wrapping or covering that conceals the anguish. This idea is often referred to as "laughter as a coping mechanism" or "laughter as a way to mask pain."

In other words, Dickinson is suggesting that people may use humor or laughter as a way to distract themselves from their pain or to avoid confronting it. This can be a way to temporarily escape from the discomfort or sadness, but it may not necessarily address the underlying issues.

This phrase is a great example of Dickinson's unique and thought-provoking style, which often explores the complexities of human emotions and the ways in which we cope with suffering.