Themes and Motifs:
* Light and Darkness as Symbolism: This is the most common and general term. Light often symbolizes hope, knowledge, goodness, and truth, while darkness represents fear, ignorance, evil, and the unknown.
* Good vs. Evil: Light and darkness are frequently used to portray the classic struggle between good and evil.
* Hope vs. Despair: Light can symbolize hope and optimism, while darkness embodies despair and negativity.
* Knowledge vs. Ignorance: Light can represent knowledge and enlightenment, while darkness signifies ignorance and blindness.
* The Supernatural: Darkness is often associated with the supernatural, the mysterious, and the unknown.
Literary Devices:
* Imagery: The use of vivid descriptions of light and darkness to create a specific atmosphere and mood.
* Symbolism: Using light and darkness as symbols with deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.
* Metaphor: Comparing light and darkness to other things to convey abstract concepts or emotions.
* Contrast: The juxtaposition of light and darkness to highlight their differences and create tension.
Specific Examples:
* Chiaroscuro: A technique in visual arts that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects, often used in literature to describe lighting in scenes.
* Deus ex machina: In some stories, light can be used as a symbol of divine intervention or supernatural forces.
Ultimately, the specific meaning of light and darkness in a novel depends on the context of the story and the author's intentions.
It's also important to remember that light and darkness can be used in more complex ways, with characters and situations having their own unique interpretations of these concepts.