What does the shadow represent in Eldorado?

In Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Eldorado," the shadow represents the elusive nature of the idealized quest for happiness and fulfillment. It symbolizes the protagonist's search for Eldorado, a metaphor for unattainable dreams or a perfect place. The shadow serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of mortality, suggesting that the pursuit of such ideals may ultimately lead to disillusionment. Ultimately, it reflects the contrast between aspiration and reality.