Casting A Shadow Despite The Sun Not Shining

In my studies of George MacDonald I have always been intrigued by his use of shadows as metaphors. Last year I wrote Our True Essence about MacDonald’s use of the metaphor of Anodos’ shadow to represent his inner and negative emotions in Phantastes. MacDonald may have been using this imagery to evoke a sense of the unseen forces at play, emphasizing themes of temptation, inner darkness, or the duality of human nature. The shadow serves as a visual cue to remind us that not everything is as straightforward as it appears, and that beneath beauty or allure, there may be complexity or peril.

In MacDonald’s Lilith, which I am reading right now, MacDonald says, “The sun was not shining, yet the bird seemed to cast a shadow, and the shadow seemed part of himself.” Quite the thought provoking metaphor, don’t you think? The image of a bird casting a shadow despite the sun not shining suggested to me that even in moments of darkness or absence of clarity, there are underlying influences or truths at play. The shadow being part of the bird itself can symbolize the idea that our inner darkness, subconscious thoughts, or hidden aspects of ourselves are inseparable from who we are, even when outward appearances seem unaffected.

MacDonald’s incredible metaphor emphasized the themes of duality within human nature—the coexistence of light and darkness—and hints that what is unseen or unacknowledged may still be an integral part of our identity. This reminded me that sometimes our unseen or unacknowledged qualities need to be seen by others. Or, possibly more important, we need to always be on the lookout for those shadows in others that will help us better understand those we serve.

Byron's Babbles