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Chapter 8
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
Collet suddenly radios Fache to tell him a cryptographer has arrived, despite orders not to interrupt his interrogation of Langdon. Fache is irritated to learn the department has sent Agent Sophie Neveu—he believes her presence as a young woman distracts men from work. Sophie enters the Grand Gallery without Fache’s permission and introduces herself to Langdon. Ignoring Fache’s fury, she informs them she’s deciphered Saunière’s numeric code. Furthermore, she has an urgent message for Langdon, telling him to contact the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible.
Fache’s angry reaction to Sophie’s sudden interruption shows that he is used to people following his orders without exception. Additionally, his sexist perception of her further aligns him with conservative Catholic doctrine—and it’s worth considering that Sister Sandrine earlier expressed that Opus Dei in particular treats women poorly, perhaps suggesting some relationship between Fache and Opus Dei.
Active
Themes
Sophie hands Langdon a slip of paper with the embassy’s phone number and extension. Annoyed, Fache gives his own cell phone to Langdon to make the call. Stepping away, Langdon discovers the number leads to Sophie’s personal voicemail. Sophie insists he dial the extension, anticipating his confusion. Her face seems to warn him not to ask questions. Langdon dials what turns out to be Sophie’s access code and listens to the message. Again, Sophie’s voice comes through, warning Langdon that he is in danger. The message tells him not to react but follow her instructions carefully.
Active
Themes
