Previous
Chapter 77
Themes
and Colors
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
Sophie twists the cryptex’s dials until they spell “SOFIA.” Knowing the vinegar vial will break if she applies too much pressure, she slowly pulls the device apart. Inside is a thick sheet of vellum (not papyrus) wrapped around something that is clearly not a vial of vinegar. Confused, Sophie pulls it out, revealing a second, smaller cryptex. Teabing groans, but Langdon appreciates Saunière’s symbolic use of duality. The smaller cryptex is black, symbolizing the male nestled inside the white female. Teabing passes the vellum to Langdon, which contains another poem referencing “A KNIGHT A POPE INTERRED” in London. At least they are heading the right direction. Meanwhile, six Kent police cars race toward the local airport.
As Sophie suspected, Saunière has no intention of giving up the Grail’s secret easily. Since this is the merit-based test designed for rising Priory sénéchaux, it makes sense that there are multiple levels through which the members must prove their worthiness. As Langdon notes, Saunière nods to human duality and feminine power by encasing the black cryptex inside the white one, just as every man is born of a woman. It’s worth noting that this symbolism doesn’t add depth to the puzzle, but rather is a way for Saunière to reiterate his reverence for divine femininity. Like Da Vinci, he uses such symbols to profess his own passionate beliefs rather than impart knowledge.
Active
Themes
