In the beginning of the novel Mount Analogue I believed this work to be a work of nonfiction. However, after completing the reading and with a helpful hint from a fellow classmate, while I was still reading the introduction, I was able to deduce that it was a fictional work. The way that Rene Daumal uses mountains is a way which I have not encountered in the past. Rather than using mountains as a purely physical feature, which is to conquered and climbed, he holds the mountains in a higher esteem as a religious symbol and something of a higher power than the average human can comprehend. In addition to this notion, I believe that he uses Mount Analogue as a way of describing everyday life that all people will come to face their own mountain that is inaccessible unless one attempts to climb it.

Throughout the novel Daumal holds the mountain in high reverence. In addition to this throughout the novel he uses themes of religion to describe the experience of mountaineers. This is demonstrated when the group of eight reach Mount Analogue and one can see that those that are highest in society are those that guide others up the mountain. In addition to this thought, nature is held in high esteem as well. Which is shown both through the lack of hunting higher up the mountain and through the general reverence that the residents of the island have for the mountain. Indeed, through these examples one can see that Daumal presents mountains in a much different light than many others. To the Songol and Daumal they appear to be beacons of grace and beauty that hold religious and otherworldly qualities rather than just a geographical feature.

Daumal is not alone in this view on mountains in the piece written by du Maurier Monte Verita Maurier holds mountains in the same regard as things of grace that hold spiritual qualities. Indeed, I am of the belief that du Maurier uses Monte Verita to show qualities about mountaineering that are many times overlooked by many. He attempts to show that mountaineering is much more than the mere climbing of a mountain, rather, it is much more spiritual and can take grip of someone until they become zealous in their climbing adventures. In his work the main character shows many of these qualities. For him climbing had always been something that verged on religious he viewed the mountains as things that were much more than just massive rock structures rather, they were breathtaking objects of grace and beauty that should be cherished and revered.

Both of these works hold a common thread of predominant thinking that point to mountains being used as a form of spiritual getaway.  They are seen as things to be gained as an ally rather than something to be conquered as it is put in Daumals Mount Analogue.  These mountains which both of the main characters come to face represent a spiritual journey to each character rather than just an average climb.  I believe that above all else, these works are attempting to impart upon the reader how much of a spiritual journey and how almost sacered mountaineering can become if it is done properly and with dedication.  It appears that through both works it is more about the journey to the top and connecting to the mountain in a mystic and spiritual way rather than just purely climbing.