La risalita (The Ascent) is the metaphor of life where poetry has an important role now comforter, now revealing sublime ideals, able to "convert" a man.
The novel tells of a young man who dreams and struggle to succeed in life, discovering early degradation of man, is lapped and feels compassion. But there is also the discovery of love with her unpredictable implications and the family drama.
For those who do not have an inner desert, poetry can help to soothe the pain and bitterness to go over quota. But life puts continuous tests. When, with the degree, the protagonist thinks he has touched the sky with a finger, there is the rude awakening of consciousness, which cuts the ground from under his feet. It reminds him that he has succumbed to temptation and evil. It may then happen a miracle: that poetry becomes a "means" by which a providential force the lights the road up. Thus, through the inner search and appropriate action cathartic, the ascent from the underworld is possible, even for those who were considered "dirty, inadequate and unworthy." And the truth comes the freedom of the individual, who learns to live with love, opening up to others, not only with words and gestures, but also with our eyes, which is a source of pure joy. Discovers that life should be lived differently and it also changes the view of death, which loses its tragedy, softened by a veil of illusion, because you can continue to live and teach even after the passing physical. Then you realize that the most important aspect of an event, both natural and necessary, is not "when" but "how" you live and you die.