DaVinci Code

From ArticleWorld

The Da Vinci Code is the best selling novel written by American author Dan Brown. Published in 2003, the novel has gone on to sell over 36 million copies and has been translated into 44 different languages. The second in a trilogy, The Da Vinci Code includes the main character Robert Langdon who was first introduced in the first novel, Angels & Demons. In 2004, Random House published a special edition of the novel that includes 160 illustrations that highlight the text. Though Brown claims that “all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate”, many experts disagree. In addition, the novel has drawn fire from many who feel that it is a poorly written excuse for an attack on Christianity and the Catholic Church, specifically.

Plot

The Da Vinci Code weaves its plot around the theory that the Catholic Church has long been involved in a conspiracy to cover up the real life of Jesus Christ implying that the Vatican is purposefully covering up historical truths by lies and fabrications. The main character, Robert Langdon is a professor of “Religious Symbology” at Harvard University. He has been invited to Paris to meet with Jacques Sauniere, the curator at the Louvre Museum. Before they get a chance to meet, Sauniere is murdered. He was murdered in the museum and was found naked and posed like Da Vinci’s the Vitruvian Man. Along side him is an obscure message written in blood. In addition, a Pentagram has been drawn, in blood as well, on the dead man’s stomach. Robert Langdon must figure out what Sauniere was protecting and who was behind his murder. The mystery unravels and Langdon finds himself hunting the secrets of the Holy Grail, the secret society The Priory of Scion, the Knights Templar and the Catholic organization, Opus Dei.

Scandal

Many critics feel that The Da Vinci Code is an inaccurate portrayal of history, secret society and the Catholic Church. Many Catholics are offending by the implication that Mary Magdalene, a prostitute, was actually Jesus’ lover, wife and mother of his only child. This obviously goes against everything that the Church has taught. In addition, the novel states that Mary Magdalene is actually the Holy Grail herself and that it is not actually a chalice, as the public has been led to believe by the Vatican. In addition, many critics of the book feel that Dan Brown actually fabricated parts of history so that it would fit into his story. Some feel that his poor research skills led to the inaccuracies and yet others cry plagiarism.