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Chapter 50
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Da Vinci Code, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Conspiracies and Secrets
Art and Symbolism
Faith vs. Knowledge
Sacred Femininity and Revisionist History
Power and Manipulation
Summary
Analysis
While fleeing, Langdon knocked the truck’s bumper askew. It sparks against the road as they drive. He and Sophie discuss the likelihood the other three murders were the Priory’s sénéchaux. Sophie suggests Vernet knew of the Grail and wanted it for himself, but Langdon disagrees: those who seek the Grail either think they’re searching for a chalice or know the truth and are threatened by it. Langdon exits the truck to fix the bumper, feeling strangely responsible for Saunière’s mysterious secret. With the brotherhood compromised, there is no one to whom they can safely return the keystone. Thinking of Saunière’s claim that he wanted to tell Sophie the truth of her family, Langdon resolves to seek out “[p]rofessional help.”
That Langdon and Sophie constantly have to flee while following Saunière’s scavenger hunt raises the novel’s stakes and adds to suspense. While Sophie’s theory about Vernet is reasonable given his behavior, Langdon pushes back, given his belief that most people who seek the Grail are motivated by ideology rather than money. Proving his own point, Langdon’s knowledge of the Grail’s historical significance makes him feel personally responsible for the keystone, especially in the absence of any safe Priory members to return it to. That is, he doesn’t want it for the glory—he wants it because he believes he must preserve this knowledge.
Themes
Inside the car, Sophie resents the responsibility Saunière has thrust upon her. She tries a few words in the cryptex, including “grail,” to no effect. She is grateful for Langdon’s help, understanding her grandfather intended him to educate her on the Priory. On the road again, Langdon asks if Sophie knows the way to Versailles. His friend and former British Royal Historian Leigh Teabing lives there. Teabing is a Grail devotee and Langdon trusts him. Depending on how much they tell him, he would likely be thrilled to help them. Sophie is understandably reluctant, but Langdon doesn’t intend to tell Teabing they are fugitives.
Where Langdon feels an intellectual obligation to protect the keystone, Sophie resents Saunière for roping her into his web of secrets with no straightforward explanation. Like the château incident, her grandfather’s quest leaves her feeling betrayed and uncertain of who he really was. Langdon wants to seek help from a Grail scholar, since this isn’t his specific area of expertise (though he’s not ignorant of it).
Themes
Langdon met Teabing while filming a documentary on the truth about the Holy Grail. Langdon’s symbology research supported Teabing’s controversial claims, which caused a stir when the program aired. Langdon assures Sophie he trusts Teabing, who probably knows more about the Priory than any other non-member. They don’t need to show him the keystone, but sheltering in his house will give them time to think about what Saunière wants them to do. Sophie agrees to direct Langdon toward Château Villette, Teabing’s impressive estate. He received his knighthood for writing a history on the House of York. Langdon insists on waiting until they arrive to tell Sophie the truth of the Grail, so she can get the full story.
Themes
