Angels and Demons

From ArticleWorld

Angels & Demons was written by Dan Brown and is the first in a trilogy of novels, the second be the best selling novel The DaVinci Code. The novel introduces the reader to the main character Robert Langdon who also appears in The DaVinci Code. The conflict of the story revolves around the Illuminati, the Catholic Church and is the first novel to use ambigrams in its text. Brown explores the debates between science and religion as well as the inner working s of the Vatican. The novel also centers on a plot to blow up the Vatican that was discovered while a new Pope is being voted for. All action takes place within twenty-four hours and Brown leads the reader in a race through Europe.

Plot

Robert Langdon is on a mission to stop the Illuminati from destroying the Vatican with the recently discovered power of anti-matter. Leonardo Vetra, a CERN scientist, is found murdered in his private residence at the research compound. On his chest an ambigram spelling out the word 'Illuminati is found burned to his flesh. Maximillion Kohler recruits Langdon, who is somewhat of an expert on the subject, to help uncover the murderer. Langdon sees that the ambigram is genuine and is faced with the fear that the Illuminati have regained power. The criminals stole anti-matter from the facility and plan to use it to blow up the Vatican. Vetra's adopted daughter joins Langdon on his quest. The search brings them throughout Europe; to locations known as the Altars of Science.

Similarities

Many elements of Angels & Demons are similar to those of The DaVinci Code.

• Robert Langdon as the protagonist.
• Stories begin with a naked victim of a gruesome murder.
• Langdon teams with the beautiful daughter of the murdered victim.
• The assassins of the story are distinct -A&D=Arab assassin, DC=albino assassin.
• In each novel, Langdon reads a clue wrong and ends up ion the wrong place.
• Each novel has a prominent character that is a cripple.
• Both novels contain messages written on papyrus paper that is destroyed when it comes in contact with liquid.