In Peter S. Beagle's "In Calabria," the character Bianchi experiences a transformative moment when he locks eyes with La Signora. This connection draws him into an enchanting mental landscape filled with shifting shadows that symbolize profound change. He realizes that this place is freeing yet alienating, causing him to question his own identity and the essence of his being. He senses a shift within himself and understands the difficulty of returning to his previous state.

The narrative conveys a deep symbolic meaning behind the act of hunting unicorns. It suggests that men pursue these mythical creatures not merely for their beauty or magic but because they reflect something essential and primal within themselves. The desire to capture a unicorn is tied to the act of confronting one's own nature and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of the unattainable. Ultimately, Bianchi discovers that this deep connection lies within a shared understanding of life's mysteries that provoke both wonder and fear.