Well I don't know about you guys, but I would find it very easy to read 100 pages of this book in a 4-day time span, so Chapters 36-58 sounds good to me. But if you'd rather take it slower, up to 47 is 50 pages (at least in my book) so you can decide :) and I can write questions later if its helpful, but because its almost 10:30 and Ben practically begged me to make a blog post tonight, I'm going to opt out of the questions and just make comments like the rest of you.
Good Night!
Brianna
I'm good with 58. I'm pretty much already there anyways.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I also read to 58. It was too good to stop!
ReplyDeleteI went past 58 already. So that sounds good :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems in this book, answering one question only brings up infinite more. It is now obvious that Fache does not want to arrest Langdon for the sole purpose of the law. Fache's obsession with taking Langdon into custody proves that he has other intentions. He even connects Langdon to the murders of the three other brotherhood members, which leads me to think that Fache had something to do with all the murders. Brown mentions earlier that Fache is Catholic, so perhaps he is a member of the Opus Dei?
I would agree with Ally's conclusion that this book continues by drawing the audience in by constantly bringing up unanswered questions. In the beginning of the book, the only questions that come to mind are who is the killer and why did he kill Sauniere? Unfortunately, Dan Brown didn't stop there, instead he added three different plotlines and multiple vantage points from different characters about the same situation. This book is simply a giant puzzle that gives hints throughout the plot to entice the reader to continue until the mystery is finally solved.
ReplyDeleteThe statement about Fache is something that I would disagree with. Though Fache is a devout Catholic as he displays his religion with a Cross around his neck and the fact that he has a photo with the Pope. Fache can't possibly have ties with Opus Dei. Fache doesn't display any rituals that were upheld by Silas, even if the details were left out. Wouldn't Silas be able to follow Langdon's every move without relying on the Teacher.
To be continued...
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ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure someone said it before, but does anyone else think that Fache could be the teacher? Ben points out that Fache does not follow the rules of the Opus Dei, but the teacher isn't said to be a follower of the Opus Dei. The teacher is Catholic though, or he wouldn't be helping out Opus Dei and the Church. It might be a long shot, but obviously something was up when (spoiler alert, but its the next chapter, which most of you have probably read anyways) Aringarosa called his office, was told he had a message, called the number, and it was " Direction Centrale Police Judicaire " a.k.a. WHERE FACHE WORKS. Either Fache is the teacher or he randomly wants to talk to Aringarosa about his love life and why he can't get dates and why Sophie ignores him and that his mom never answers his phone calls and he hates the knitted sweater his grandma gave him and *Fache sobs uncontrollably*... So I think he's the teacher.
ReplyDeleteand I shall give Nicole the credit for mentioning this idea first :)
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ReplyDeleteThere is definitely some support for the possibility of Fache being the Teacher or just relaying information to the Teacher. It is true that Fache does not exhibit the same rituals as those in the Opus Dei, but that does not mean he wouldn't want them to get the keystone and gain power, thereby strengthening Catholicism. Earlier on it is mentioned that "Tonight, a high-tech, high-profile arrest of an American would go a long way to silence Fache's critics, helping him secure the job a few more years until he could retire with the lucrative pension. God knows he needs the pension, Collet thought" (Brown 71). Since Fache spent all his money in that technology craze that turned out badly, the two million euro could be beneficial in ensuring a secure future and retirement. This could be his motive for taking on the role as the Teacher or supplying information. Fache's extreme desire to capture Langdon for the murder even though he does not have direct proof seems to be growing, as Ally said, and it most likely isn't just because he really believes it or wants to show his power. I think that there is more behind his intentions. When Collet is speaking with an agent, they also mention that Fache is "busy on an important call" (Brown 240). During this time he could possibly be giving information to Silas. Although it says that Fache was not notified of Langdon's location yet, he could have easily figured it out from another source and then called to tell Silas. With his high position in the investigation, Fache could have enough power to acquire that information on Langdon and the keystone to tell Opus Dei. Of course we don't know for sure (but these speculations seem to be supported by others) and it is possible that Brown is just purposely misleading, but I think there is still a good amount of evidence that points to a connection between Fache and the Opus Dei.
ReplyDeleteI just went back and reread some of the chapters (since I tend to skim text when I just want to find answers to my questions). But anyways, has anyone else noticed how increasingly eerie this book has become, in terms of intertwinement? It seems that everything in the text is related; even the most seemingly minute aspects of the text reflect the book’s ringing symbolism and message.
ReplyDeleteWhen introducing a quote to Sophie, Teabing is specifically talking about the Bible and how it is misguided. “Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!” (Brown 231). Yet, this quote seems pertinent to other instances of the book, also. Robert mentions that one of the reasons that one would want to seek the grail is because “they are naïve and believe they are searching for the long-lost cup of Christ…” (Brown 213). Those who believe they are searching for a physical item spend their entire lives devoted to the cause. As Langdon and Teabing claim, there is no such thing as the “Holy Grail”, only a metaphoric resemblance of it. Da Vinci’s quote seems to scold not only those who adhere to the Bible, but also to those who aimlessly seek the Holy Grail.
I feel that Brown's message in writing this book is to look beyond what you see, and ask more questions to reveal the truth (kinda like a "think outside the box" thing).
I would just like to point out how discriminatory Fache is: "A female crypotologist and a schoolteacher? They wouldn't last til dawn" (Brown 205). It is implied that because of Langdon's profession and because Sophie is a girl, they can't be good at getting away from Fache. This made me really mad because obviously they have done a pretty good job so far.
ReplyDeleteIt also seems to me that everything in this book seems to work out too perfectly. It seemed coincidental that while in the Louvre Sophie and Langdon were able to decipher all of Sauniere's codes perfectly even though they were in a time crunch and it seems unlikely that both Sophie and Langdon have a memory to help piece everything together, such as what the key is for or what the cryptex is. Fache has fallen for all of their tricks so far and when Vernet was getting ready to shoot Langdon, he was able to think of a plan while a gun was pointed at him and he was able to execute his plan perfectly to save them. For everything that either Sophie or Langdon does not know, the other knows, which I don't think would always be the case. Langdon also happens to be friends with a person that is an expert on the Grail who happens to live only miles away from where they are. The banker also happens to know Sophie's grandfather, which helps the two of them escape from the bank. All of this seems too coincidental for me. I know thats what happens when books are written but it does not seems very likely. Oh well. It makes for a great story.
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ReplyDeleteIn light of Brianna's comment about Fache and somehow random description of Fache's love life. Fache isn't the Teacher either. If Fache was truly the Teacher, he would have never contacted Aringarosa and leave behind a number. Aringaros says, " Unfortunately, the Teacher's protocols for caution included a refusal to give Aringarosa any kind of contact number. I alone will initiate contact, the Teacher had informed him" (Brown 231). The level of security that the Teacher surrounds himself completely contradicts Fache's actions as he clearly reveals himself to the Bishop and even left a number for the Bishop to call if he were to call the Opus Dei headquarters in New York.
ReplyDeleteContinued...
In the last section of the reading, Brown reveals that Sangreal, which in one translation mean Holy Grail, but could also mean Royal Blood. (Please note to all Christians and Catholics this is simply an UNBIASED comment). In the Bible, Mary Magdalene is considered to be a servant or prostitute as "Mary from whom seven demons had come out" (Luke 8:2). The negative connotation of Mary may relate to referance made by both Langdon and Teabing as a scam by the Church to wipe the name of Mary as she was supposed to be of royal blood. Now connecting back to a previous chapter, Sauniere leaves a message to Sophie saying, "Please, I must tell you the truth about your family" (Brown 82). The truth about Sophie's family could be able the car crash that killed her entire family or the possibility that she may be the direct descendant of Jesus and Mary. Though the Bible rejects any physical contact between Jesus and Mary, Jesus was still Jewish and would have been married during his time at his age. So the fact that Mary could have carried Jesus's child might not be far-fetched and the bloodline of Jesus could lead to Sophie. Thus, giving a reason for the Teahcer to kill Sauniere and for the Priory of Sions remaining a secret society. Though the real bloodline of Jesus is currently unknown, it is one of the biggest secrets in the world.
ReplyDeleteI did a little research on the Last Supper, and I took a look at the restored version of Da Vinci's work. And basically the book is right, the person on the right side of Jesus is indeed a female. But unfortunately, this entire story is fiction, so the actual events and characters in the book aren't real.
ReplyDeleteDo you guys find this book to be anti-religion or anti-Catholic? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteHmm... That's tricky. I am not sure how I feel about the idea of the book being anti-Catholic, but as for the anti-religion, it could be argued both ways, and I cannot decide on one. The whole book seems to have the underlying influence of religion. There are numerous religious characters, such as bishops, and religious places and items, like the Last Supper and quite a few events happening in churches and other religious sanctuaries. At the same time, however, the reasons for actions taken are not for religious reasons. With this in mind, I believe I have come to a conclusion that the book is not anti-religion, instead just showing how it influences the world so greatly. No where have I understood anything to be implying religion is bad. However the book is about people searching for what they think is a holy item, but for reason other than the fact it is holy. With this basic plot, Brown is showing how the world revolves around religion.
ReplyDeleteThe book uses religion as a foundation for its plot and mystery. But rather than supporting a point of anti-religion, this book is heading for an anti-Catholic side as it progresses into the mystery. The reason this book is anti-Catholic is the continuous mentioning of the wrong-doings of the Catholic Church throughout history. One of the first of these signs is Brown's incorporation of the involvement of the Opus Dei. The Opus Dei is seen as a traditional a.k.a medieval Catholic congregation. From the information that is gathered, Opus Dei, a Catholic society, is pushing for a return of the peak of the Catholic Church in the past. Brown writes, "The congregation...promoted a return to conservative Catholic values" (Brown 31). One of these values as Sister Sandrine noted, "Sadly, while most of the Catholic Church was gradually moving in the right direction with respect to women's rights, Opus Dei threatened to reverse the progress" (Brown 46). The Opus Dei is protrayed by the author to have a negative effect on society as females are gradually considered equals among males in society. When in the past, the Catholic Churhc was responsible for the diminished status of females. Langdon refers to many of these events that involved the Catholic Church such as the witch hunts in Europe and America, the creation of the Bible by the works of man rather than by God, the laws that govern the relationship between men and women, and the destruction of the story of Mary Magdalene. These abuses conducted by the Catholic Church all point to the fact that this book sees the influence of Catholicism and the Catholic Church as negative. Since one of the most debated social issue of modern society is equal rights for females. Overall, this book has a negative view on Catholics, however, mentions nothing on anti-religion.
ReplyDelete(Please note that the referance to the Bible as "fake" was meant to be of NO offense to Christian believers).
I know this is kind of irrelevant but has anybody compared the two paintings "Virgin of the Rocks" and "Madonna of the Rocks"? Madonna of the Rocks was rather creepy to me.. and I heard that there was speculation about somebody from a different painting fitting directly into the spot where Mary and the angel have their hands and look like they're slicing somebody's neck. Which is.. unsettling. Both paintings were pretty creepy in general, and it's amazing how similar Da Vinci made the two paintings.
ReplyDeleteAlso, isn't it strange that, I'm sure, we've all heard stories about the Holy Grail, but never heard about how the Holy Grail was a person? It reminds me of how we all seem to have found out last year that the Trojan War wasn't real. I have trouble accepting that the legend is actually true though. Like, is all the information that we're finding out about the Priory of Sion and the existence of the Holy Grail as the documents and Mary Magdalene's bones true (or believed to be true)? Or is it just made up to be a brilliant plot point in the book? Plus, wouldn't the descendants of Jesus want to be known? Wouldn't they be revered as a sort of royalty to have the blood of Jesus in them? I'm sure they would be better protected as public figures instead of hiding and relying on secret society members to protect their lives. Because then, if the church sought them out and killed them, it would destroy the Catholic Church's name and everybody would know what had happened. It just doesn't make sense to me.