In chapters fifty-two to sixty-four, I became really into the book. The reading section ended right as the intense parts were getting started. One thing that started the reading out that put me on edge was how suspicious of a character Bishop Aringarosa is turning out to be. "'Large denominations bearer bonds drawn on the Vatican Bank. Negotiable as cash anywhere in the world." (189) Essentially, this is the part of the story where the Bishop inherits a lot of money--and he even commented that "I could not lift that much cash," (189) so the reader has to assume that he is the person who is killing off the high-ranking members of the Priory of Sion, or at least the one who is behind it all. This suspicion is confirmed only one page later when a man asks the Bishop where he intends to travel next. The Bishop replies "Paris" (190), which is exactly where Jacquies Sanuire was... and where Langdon and Sophie are!
One thing that I found interesting was the fact that Robert and Sophie trusted Vernet. Personally, I would not trust someone (even a high-ranking man) who even claimed to be an acquaintance of my murdered grandfather, who worked at a bank where the workers wanted my blood. But going as far as smashing his nose... I don't know if I would do that. Langdon had done nothing immoral up to this point, and he is in a foerign country wanted for murder of three people and broke a mans nose. That could mean serious trouble even if he has been freed of his murder charges.
It continues to amaze me how much Leonardo DaVinci did. He was a painter, scientist, philosopher, inventor--and a God to many people. Even Sophie admits to Teabing that "'I was raised by a man who worshipped Leonardo da Vinci." (249) This invention of his--the cryptex--is genius. Having a soft stone and soft wood conceal the message wrapped around a vile of vinegar that would destroy the message inside is a perfect hiding place. With five letters and twenty-six possible letters in this word, this means that five to the twenty-sixth power is the number of possibilities. Did Sophie's grandfather leave a five-lettered word on the floor that indicates what its code is? My first thought was "Sophie," however S-O-P-H-I-E is six, not five letters so that could not work. Knowing where this book is going, the code is probably staring them right in the face.
The aviation connection of the day: "My apologies. Airlines are so unreliable these days." (187)
Kai, can Teabing really be trusted? Would you trust a man who could be the best of friends and the most protective ally, but also your worst nightmare?
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ReplyDeleteFirst off I will answer Lauren's question. Yes, yes I do think that Teabing can be trusted because he is a friend and, more importantly, because he wants so badly for the holy grail to be found before the church in order to preserve the contents.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapters 52 through 64 Dan Brown has really made me question things. With all of the things he includes as evidence it makes it seem real. I have my own opinions on the topic, but what I know is that some of the evidence is fake. I do find it intriguing that Leonardo Da Vinci painted the last supper with a woman and with 13 cups instead of one grail. What are his intentions in painting this, was he trying to say something or is it just his personal idea of what it might look like. I really like to learn things in books and that is one of the main reasons that I like this book.
During the conversation that Sophie, Langdon, and Sir Leigh were having I was anxious for the moment when someone would show up to break in and try to arrest them or take the cryptex. I thought that because the bank had sent the tracking beacon Fache would show up and try to arrest them. I also that that Silas might show up to steal the keystone because the teacher had knowledge of it. I like that Dan Brown made me nervous for the characters and this shows that he has a good writing style.
Since Brown left us at a spot to guess the code what do you think the password for the cryptex is? I think it might have something to do with one of the surviving royal blood lines. Maybe S-A-I-N-T or C-L-A-I-R.