Darkness, as polar to brightness, is understood to be an absence of visible light. It is also the appearance of black in a color space.
Humans are unable to distinguish color when either light or darkness predominate (W. Wundt, Outlines of Psychology, 1907). In the absence of light, perception is achromatic and ultimately, black.
The emotional response to darkness has metaphorical connotations in many cultures.
Famous quotes containing the word darkness:
“This thing of darkness I
Acknowledge mine.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Stretch out your hand toward heaven so that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be felt.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Exodus 10:21.
“to these
Hale dead and deathless do the women of the hill
Love for ever meridian through the courters’ trees
And the daughters of darkness flame like Fawkes fires still.”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)