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Shadowsplay
Shadowsplay

Where does the title “Shadows Doth Make Bright” come from?

Shakespear’s Sonnet No. 43:

When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee
And, darkly bright, are bright in dark directed.


Then thou whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow’s form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!


How would, I say, mine eyes be blessèd made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!


 All days are nights to see till I see thee,
 And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

Meaning of the Line

  • The Shadow: Refers to an image, dream, or memory of the speaker's beloved.

  • Making Bright: Means that the mere thought or dream of the beloved brings light into the dark.

  • The Paradox: The speaker says that even a faint shadow or dream of the person they love can brighten the darkest night, making ordinary shadows glow.

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