A Russian poet, engaged in research on an 18th-century Russian composer, travels to Italy with his translator, a beautiful Italian woman. Immersed in a foreign land, he becomes overwhelmed by feelings of nostalgia and existential despair, finding himself disconnected from his surroundings and longing for his homeland. As he delves deeper into his project, the line between past and present blurs, leading him to question his own identity and purpose. His interactions with the translator, who is deeply interested in his work and offers him companionship, highlight the contrast between their cultures and personal philosophies. Despite her efforts, she struggles to bridge the emotional and philosophical gap that separates them.

The poet encounters a local eccentric, who has taken upon himself the heavy burden of saving the world through a seemingly absurd act of self-sacrifice. This meeting introduces the poet to a new perspective on life, one that is deeply spiritual and rooted in personal sacrifice for the sake of others. This encounter profoundly affects the poet, compelling him to reflect on his own life, beliefs, and the nature of human suffering and redemption. As he becomes entwined in the local's mission, he confronts the existential crisis that has been haunting him throughout his journey, forcing him to make a choice between pursuing a path of self-absorption or embracing a larger, more altruistic view of life.