IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS - QUOTES AND ANALYSIS

Edition: Double Day, 2003

1. “The keystone. It will lead us to our final goal.” - Silas, p. 74

Silas thinks this as he is about to enter the Church of Saint-Sulpice, where he will find he has been lied to and kill Sister Sandrine. This quotation exemplifies the theme of fanaticism. Silas believes that the ends justify the means. He does not believe that it is wrong to murder in order to obtain the keystone because he will find the Grail.

2. “...I’ve just demonstrated for your lady friend the unfortunate benefit of my condition. It seems everyone underestimates you.” - Teabing, p. 278

Teabing says this after he injures Silas and gets the gun away from him. In hindsight, this statement is ironic because Teabing not only means that Silas underestimates him, but Sophie and Langdon as well. Teabing is the mastermind of the murders, but no one suspects him.

3. “Might I have a look at the box my grandfather made.” - Sophie, p. 299

Sophie says this to Teabing, after he pretends not to hear her first request. This moment is an example of how women are frequently underestimated, even by men who ostensibly subscribe to the Grail-lore of the sacred feminine. Not only does Sophie demand to see the box, but she is the only one who can solve the script on it.

4. “The problems arise when we begin to believe literally in our own metaphors” - Langdon, p. 342

Langdon says this to Sophie when she asks him what should be done with the Sangreal documents. Langdon does not think the documents should be destroyed, but he does not think they should be used to destroy people’s faith.

5. “you lie entirely too well.” - Langdon, p. 345

Langdon says this to Teabing after he is able to convince the altar boy to allow them into the Temple Church. This statement is ironic because Langdon does not realize how true it is. Langdon is joking with Teabing about duping the altar boy, but he does not realize he is being duped as well.

6. “You’re wrong. You want it much more. You’ve proven you’re willing to kill for it.” - Langdon, p. 359

This quote exemplifies the theme of fanaticism that pervades the novel. While Langdon has dedicated his life to history and uncovering symbols, he has not reached a fanatic level. Unlike Silas, who has lost the ability to make rational decisions, Langdon does not value the Grail above human life.

7. “A virtuous gesture, My Lord. I will see that your wishes are carried out.” - Fache, p. 430

This statement is Fache’s response to Aringarosa, who has requested the money be distributed among the families of the deceased. The way Fache addresses Aringarosa illustrates how he views the world in black and white. While Fache is rude and condescending to his colleagues, he treats Aringarosa, a criminal, with respect because he is bishop. Fache has a blind faith in the Church.

8. “It’s the mystery and wonderment that serve our souls, not the Grail itself” - Marie, p.444

In this statement Marie is referring to the mystery and wonderment of the Grail that serve people’s souls. However, this message is also applied to religion throughout the novel. In this conversation Marie explains that the Priory never intended to release the Sangreal documents. Marie discusses how men are driven by the mystery of the Grail. Similarly, Langdon expresses earlier to Sophie that he does not believe the Grail documents should be released to set religious records straight because many people are driven by faith in their religion. The real facts do not matter.

9. “I would love nothing more than to meet you in Florence, Robert.” - Sophie, p. 449

In this statement, Sophie agrees to meet Langdon the next month in Italy. This moment illustrates the final resolution of the novel, in which Sophie and Langdon kiss and seem to have a future together.

10. “What a better place for Saunière to keep watch?” - Langdon, p. 454

Langdon thinks this as he visits the inverted pyramid at the Louvre. He has finally found the Grail. This moment occurs in the Epilogue, following the plot’s resolution. Langdon has resolved his conflict and this discovery is a reward for a virtuous knight.

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