In the first canto, the Soul invites the Self “to the winding ancient stair” (Line 1), a place that represents ascension to a higher plane of existence. The setting is so integral to the poem that its original title was to be “The Sword and the Tower”. It may also be a reference to Túr Bhaile, or Thoor Ballylee, a tower where Yeats once lived. Moreover, the setting of this poem may give its collection its title: The Winding Stair. Here, the tower is presented as “winding”, or cyclical, just like the Self professes life itself to be. It is also likely a very solitary place set apart from natural light, suggesting the journey to spiritual ascension is one of introspection and solitude.