What is the most important lesson learned from the novel?

This is largely a thematic question. One of the major themes of the novel is Antonio’s loss of innocence. At the opening of the novel, Antonio is an innocent boy, unaware of the dangers and tragedy of life. As the novel progresses, Antonio becomes more and more cognizant of the good and evil present in the world. By the end of the book, Antonio no longer possesses his innocence but has replaced it with wisdom and maturity. I think the major lessons are to be found during Antonio's maturation from boy to young man. These lessons cover everything from sex to spirituality. I took away the idea that there is so much more to the world than our eyes tell us. There is magic in the world if only we choose to keep our minds open.