Shakespeare's Light: or Desdemona's Dream

While the interplay of light and dark is familiar in literature Shakespeare employed the contrast in remarkable ways--to describe atmosphere emotions and even transcendent states. Consider this scene from Romeo and Juliet so widely reproduced one could be forgiven for skimming past it. However slowing to take in the words who could be unmoved? But soft what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun. Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou her maid art far more fair than she . . .In total there are nearly three hundred references to light between Alls Well That Ends Well and A Winters Tale. Here for the first time is a compilation of nearly all the passages from Shakespeares works containing the word light.If you enjoy periodic encounters with Shakespeare or like to read a poem from time to time this is for you . . .