The Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinci Code

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'The Da Vinci Code' is most discussed and criticized novel by Dan Brown published in 2003. Basically it is mystery and detective novel. Many critics criticized the novel on the ground that the novel is anti-Christian novel. To answer to this argument Dan Brown says this: 

1. Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, though he is on a 'constant spiritual journey' himself, and says that his book The Da Vinci Code is simply "an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate" and suggests that the book may be used "as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith."

It is true that his book not 'anti-Christian' book, but simply an entertaining and constant spiritual journey. Because if we minutely observe the central character of the novel then we can conclude this argument. Professor Robert Langdon, who studies the symbols of the ancient time. When the novel begins he is depicted as the non-believer of priory of Sion. This is the committee who are selected to protect the blood-line of Jesus Christ. Though he was studying all these symbols but he was non-believer of this and at the end he turns into a member of Priory of Sion. We can say that Robert Langdon's journey as a pilgrimage. The search for the Spiritual Truth. Brown is just using the historical fact with his imagined story.

2. What difference do you see in the portrayal of 'Ophelia' (Kate Winslet) in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet, 'Elizabeth' (Helena Bonham Carter) in Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or 'Hester Prynne' (Demi Moore) in Roland Joffé's The Scarlet Letter' or David Yates's 'Harmione Granger' (Emma Watson) in last four Harry Potter films - and 'Sophie Neuve' (Audrey Tautau) in Ron Howard's The Da Vinci Code? How would justify your answer?

When we study all these characters then we come to know that directly or indirectly these all characters are objectified in the films. If we see the films like 'Hamlet', 'Frankenstein', and 'The Scarlet Letter' then we will find that these characters are more objectified physically and serve as the male-gaze characters. We can see vast difference in the characters of films and novels. But it is quite good that the character of Hermione is not that much objectified. Well, her character is also objectified but in more controlled way. In the later parts of the movie she becomes the reason to fight between the two important characters Harry and Ron. As compared to all these characters Sophie's portrayal of the characters is done in more fair way. As compared to these three characters the character of Hermione and Sophie is more free and open-mined. They remain companion of the male characters at the last of the journey. But still Sophie is emerging as the more strong character. In the movie also her body is not used as the object in the movie.

3. When we do traditional reading of the novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Robert Langdon, Professor of Religious Symbology, Harvard University emerges as protagonist and Sir Leigh Teabing, a British Historian as antagonist. Who will claim the position of protagonist if we do atheist reading of the novel?

If we do atheist reading of the novel then the character of Sir Leigh Teabing emerges as the protagonist of the novel. Both the characters wanted to know the truth of the Holy Grail and the blood line of Jesus Christ. But the intentions of both the characters were different. Teabing wanted to reveal the truth to the common people so that he can destroy the fake faith of common people in Christianity. Whereas Langdon was on the journey just to accompany Sophie and because his name was written on the death place of Jacques Sauniere. But at last when Langdon come to know about the truth of the blood-line, he become one of secret keeper rather than reveler. So we can say that Langdon's journey is just pilgrimage. Though he was knowing the truth he become one of the member of secret keeper.

Thanking you...