ABSTRACT
Shadows can be problematic. To be ‘in the dark’ about something is negative; to ‘see the light’ positive. To be described as being ‘in someone’s shadow’ — metaphorically as well as actually – is seen as a sleight; ‘hogging the limelight’ may be arrogant but it gets attention. ‘Lurking in the shadows’ is suspect; ‘in the full light of day’ revealing. Shadows can cause problems in cricket. A fielder might want to stand close to the batsman to optimise chances of a catch. In some countries developers and their architects are constrained not to put neighbours in the shade. It’s called a ‘right to light’. In other countries such considerateness is not imposed by law. Even so, neighbourliness implies that aggravation is likely if a large development both removes a view and obstructs sunshine from reaching long-established smaller properties.
