Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* Shady: Means "providing shade" or "dark and cool," suggesting a place where the sun's rays are blocked by trees or other foliage.
* Bower: Refers to a leafy shelter or a small hut constructed for privacy or shade, often built from interwoven branches or vines.
In literature and poetry, a shady bower often symbolizes:
* Romance and love: The secluded and intimate nature of the bower makes it a perfect setting for romantic encounters.
* Peace and solitude: The shelter and shade offer a refuge from the outside world, allowing for relaxation and contemplation.
* Nature's beauty and bounty: The bower is often described as being surrounded by lush vegetation, flowers, and other natural elements, representing the beauty and abundance of nature.
Examples of shady bowers in literature:
* Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream": The play features a "bower" where the fairies gather and where the lovers find themselves in a magical and enchanting setting.
* The "Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Mary Lennox discovers a hidden garden, full of lush vegetation and a secret "bower," where she finds peace and healing.
Overall, a shady bower is a metaphorical place that evokes a sense of peace, romance, and the beauty of the natural world.