My Final Thoughts on Angels and Demons

As a whole, i throughly enjoyed Brown's Angels and Demons. I found once the plot took off, I had a hard time putting the story down. Although Brown is critically acclaimed for writing his novels for movies, he does have the ability to create a novel that is a real page-turner. The ending was filled with twists and turns that made for a lot of suspense for me, the reader. For example Janus, supposedly the head of the Illuminati and the man behind the threats to the Vatican, was actually the Camerlengo who was the temporary head of the Catholic Church inside the Vatican. Also the Illuminati diamond was described as a diamond that would “stop all in amazement at the sight of it”. However the Illuminati diamond wasn't actually physically a diamond but a ambigram of the words Earth, Air, Fire and Water in the shape of a diamond. On the contrary, there are a couple negative aspects of Angels and Demons; such as Brown's poor sentence structure and the exaggerated truths that fill the pages of the novel. Firstly, at the height of a tense part in the novel Brown always seemed to shorten he is sentence to a few short words. This made for choppy or rough reading for the reader. Moreover, all the facts of the Illuminati are made to seem so real and at the end of the novel the reader is left sitting there disappointed knowing that everything Brown has said in the last 700 pages was untrue. In conclusion, overall Angels and Demons is similar to a uncut diamond, spectacular but yet rough around the edges.

My Essay on Postmodernism in Angels And Demons

Mitchell Nicholson                                                                                            

Dec 13^th, 2011

ENG 4U1

Ms. Breivik

Dan Brown; A Postmodern Writer:

         

           “Postmodernism refers to ideas, values and structures in philosophy, literature, architecture and the humanities in general; that developed in the last four decades of the twentieth century” (Harper 453). Postmodernism is a concept that represents a departure from modernism. The themes of pop culture, architecture, social order, cultural diversity, reader interactivity and growing technology are most popular in Postmodernism. Angels and Demons' plot involves the protagonist Robert Langdon travelling from the innovative physics laboratory called CERN to the ancient holy place Vatican City in search of the stolen antimatter. Throughout this adventure, there are examples of topics that require background knowledge (i.e. The Illuminati) and dangers of technology seen through the perspective of almost every dynamic character. Brown uses the literary devices of narrative structure, diction and amplification to convey the Postmodern themes of multiple points of view, growth in technology and reader interactivity. Thus ultimately proves that Brown is a prime example of a Postmodern writer.

          One must be aware of the following background knowledge in order to effectively understand all topics discussed in this essay. First 'CERN' is the abbreviated word for 'Conseil Europeen pour la Recherce Nucleaire' (Brown 22). Next antimatter was created by Leonardo and Vittoria Vetra, two physicists at CERN laboratory. The purpose for why Leonardo created antimatter was to bridge the biblical creation story of Genesis and the scientific Big Bang Theory (Brown 86). In addition Robert Langdon is the protagonist, Maximillian Kohler is the CERN Director and the Camerlengo is the temporary head of the Catholic Church until a new pope can be elected. Also the reason why there is millions of people surrounding the Vatican City is because of the ongoing process called Conclave. Conclave is the Church's very strict process to elect a new Pope. All Cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel together until a Cardinal has a majority vote to become the new Pope. Having Conclave being conducted, it was the most opportune time for the secret society Illuminati to threaten the vulnerable Catholic Church. The Illuminati is not a terrorist group but rather a group that consisted of the brightest group of scientists alive at the time. As a cover, the Camerlengo framed the Illuminati for being responsible for antimatter threat when really it was his way of instilling Catholic faith back into the masses. The animosity between the Church and the Illuminati exists because the Church has long prosecuted the Illuminati for their sacrilegious scientific findings. Lastly the modern day problem of global warming cause by carbon emissions is in full effect in Angels and Demons. In closing, one can be more of an interactive reader when reading this essay with a thorough understanding of this background knowledge.

          Through the use of narrative structure Brown has evolved the plot through most character's perspectives to show Postmodernism. Firstly the antimatter is in a helicopter, driven by the Camerlengo and Robert. The helicopter is travelling upwards as fast as possible to further the blast from the Vatican City and the millions of people surrounding it. The first point of view is from the people, as a whole, amassing around Vatican City. Followed by Vittoria who is described as standing trembling at the foot of St. Peter's Basilica's stairs (Brown 627). “Then it hit. The concussion was deep and hallow-a thunderous shock wave from above” (Brown 626). Moreover, the following chapter describes Vittoria as devastated because she believes Robert was killed by her indirectly. “Robert. He had come for her at Castle St. Angelo. He had saved her. And now he had been destroyed by her creation.” (Brown 627). Lastly through the perspective of Robert, the reader finds that he actually survives the blast. “He was no longer falling. There was no more terror. No pain. Not even the sound of racing wind. There was only the soft sound of lapping water, as though he were comfortably asleep on a beach.” (Brown 629). Through this use of narrative structure, showing the events from three different people, Brown has effectively used multiple points of view which is a prime theme of Postmodernism. In addition, through the opening 50 chapters of Angels and Demons, Brown uses the perspective of nine different characters. See Visual 1. Through analyzing the graph, it is evident that the plot gets developed through a variety of different points of view. In turn, one can infer that this fulfils a theme of Postmodernism. Lastly contrary to the Postmodern novel Angels and Demons, Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is an example of Modern era novel. The only point of view in Heart of Darkness comes from the main character Marlow. Evidently Brown's style of writing has departed from the concept of only writing from a protagonist and/or antagonists point of view. In closing through the literary device of narrative structure, the Postmodern theme of a multiplicity of points of view is effectively communicated.

          “Postmodernism sees technology either as a salvation or as an isolating, restrictive dangerous phenomenon” (Harper 455). The plot of Angels and Demons constantly shifts the understanding of antimatter from a salvation for mankind to a lethal new technology. Conversely in either case, Brown's strong word choice shows this Postmodern theme of technology.  The plot begins with Vittoria introducing antimatter as a new energy source. When first described, antimatter is portrayed as something “nothing short of 'wondrous'.

When it is published, it will shake the very foundation of modern physics... He [Leonardo Vetra] proved not only that matter can be created from nothing, but that Big Bang theory

and Genesis can be explained by simply accepting the presence of an enormous energy source” (Brown 90). Fictitiously, Brown shows that this energy source could stop the constant global issue of carbon emissions. Vittoria explains how antimatter has a 100% combustion rate compared to the very inefficient current source of energy, oil's 30%. Also there is no harmful emissions released by antimatter unlike the highly polluting substance oil. Similarly to how matter has an opposite, antimatter has negatives to counter-balance it's positives.  Firstly, CERN Director Kohler says “Yes if antimatter and matter make contact both are destroyed instantly. Physicists call the process 'annihilation'” (Brown 98). By the strong word choice of saying 'annihilation; the idea that antimatter in not a salvation but rather an extremely destructive technology is created. Likewise at the end of the plot, immediately after the antimatter was ignited the people's reaction is described as something equivalent to that of the witnesses of an atomic bomb or even something more dangerous. “Dust swirled overhead as people huddled... witness to 'Armageddon'” (Brown 626). Furthermore by the use of saying 'Armageddon' over simply destruction or chaos; the connection that antimatter is on the next generation of dangerous weapons is significantly strengthened. Lastly with the vast amount of references to technology, one can see a contrast to Conrad's Heart of Darkness novel and how there is hardly any references to advancements in technology (Rice). In conclusion with such diction as 'wondrous' 'annihilation' and 'Armageddon', the idea that antimatter is a new form of technology is evident. Thus proving the Postmodern theme of technology in Angels and Demons.

          Lastly through the use of the literary device amplification, Brown helps the reader

grasp the Postmodern them of interactivity. A definition of interactivity is how “Postmodernist literature requires an increased level of involvement by readers in making

connections between and interpretations of the information provided” (Harper 455). A definition of the literary device amplification is “where the writer enhances the paragraphs of explanation by adding more information, in order to increase its worth and understanding. When a plain paragraph is too abrupt and fails to convey the intended message, amplification is used to add structure and meaning” (Kilpatrick). Moreover Brown compares the creation of antimatter to modern examples of opposites such as “yin” and “yang”. The purpose of this is to help the reader understand the concept of antimatter. “So antimatter is real? [Vittoria begins speaking] A feat of nature. Everything has an opposite; protons have electrons and up-quarks have down-quarks. There is even cosmic symmetry at the sub atomic level. Antimatter is the yin to matters yang. It balances the physical equation” (Brown 93-94). This quote effectively saves the reader from pursuing an explanation to why antimatter exists. Next Brown uses amplification to clear up a common misconception about the Illuminati. “A New World Order, based on scientific enlightenment. They call it their Luciferian Doctrine. The [Catholic] church claimed Lucifer was a reference to the devil, but the brotherhood [Illuminati] insisted Lucifer was intended to have its literal Latin meaning- Bringer of Light. Or Illuminator” (Brown 49). By adding the extra background knowledge that the Latin definition of Lucifer is bringer of light or the Illuminator. One can infer hat the Illuminati did not have Satanic backgrounds but is framed to by the Catholic Church. Thus amplification in this paragraph successfully helped the reader make connections to the Illuminati's real past, bridging the text and interactivity of the reader, ultimately showing this Postmodern theme. In closing, the use of amplification in Angels and Demons gives the reader the basis for an interactive understanding.

          Angels and Demons is a prime example of a late Postmodern text, consequently it utilizes almost every element of Postmodernism. Throughout the plot there are plenty of examples of a necessity for reader interactivity and the progression of technology seen through most perspectives of the characters. Brown uses the literary devices of amplification, diction and narrative structure to show the Postmodern themes of interactivity, technology and a multiplicity of points of view. Therefore ultimately proving Dan Brown is a Postmodern writer.

Citations:

1)   Angels and Demons Novel

Brown, Dan. Angels & Demons. New York: Random House Large Print, 2000. Print.

2)   Elements of English 12 Textbook

Harper, Sue, Douglas Hilker, and Peter J. Smith. Elements of English 12. Toronto: Harcourt Canada, 2002. Print.

3)   Literary-Devices.com

Kilpatrick, Sean. Literary Devices | Definitions & Examples. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. <http://literary-devices.com>.\

4)   Heart of Darkness Wikipedia Article (Background Info.)

Rice, Spencer. "Heart of Darkness." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_of_Darkness>.

5)   Pie Graph Generator

Create A Graph." National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a Part of the U.S. Department of Education. Web. 16 Dec. 2011. <http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx?ID=3e2492e2d077494a8e8a0ddcf15a68cb>.

Characters in Angels & Demons

This purpose of this blog is to give a brief overview of all main characters.The main characters are:

• Robert Langdon: The protagonist is a professor of symbology at Harvard University. He is described as always wearing chino pants, a turtleneck sweater and a tweed coat. He was first flown to CERN to investigate Leonardo Vetra's murder; this is where he meets Vittoria and they both travel to Italy to save the Vatican. Lastly, upon further research, Robert's last name is a tribute to John Langdon who created all the ambigrams for Angels and Demons.
• Leonardo Vetra:  A scientist at CERN and an ex priest. He steadily worked on bringing together science and religion (people of both backgrounds despise each other). He was working on the antimatter, when the Hassassin  tortured, branded and killed him.
• Vittoria Vetra: Adopted daughter of Leonardo and a scientist at CERN. She helped to create antimatter with Leonardo, utilizing her background in biology and physics. 
• Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca: The "Camerlengo", papal chamberlain or assistant during the election for the next Pope. Upon reading, one learns the Camerlengo is the killer of the pope who turns out to be his biological father. He also created the Illuminati ruse, calling himself "Janus" to the Hassassin. Janus was code for the two-faced Roman god for beginning and end. 
• Commander Olivetti: The commandant of the Swiss Guard, who at first opposes Robert because he is skeptic about antimatter, Illuminati etc. After talking with the Hassassin by phone, he gains confidence that there is a threat and begins leading the team of guards to find the antimatter. He gets killed by the Hassassin in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. 
• Hassassin: A hired killer by the Carmlengo (Janus) who has no problem murdering or killing people. His justification is that his deeds are for the better for the church. Throughout the story, he murders Leonardo Vetra, the Preferiti (4 most likely cardinals to become pope) and Commander Olivetti. He dies from falling to his death and breaking his back on a pile of cannonballs.
• Maximilian Kohler: The director of CERN who has paralysis. He has a state of the art wheelchair with a built-in computer, telephone, video camera, and a gun. He contacts Langdon to help him find the killer Leonardo Vetra. He blames the Church for his paralysis, because his very religious parents refused to let him receive medicine.

 All information has came from the book Angels & Demons and a summary from wikipedia.com. Here is a link for the wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_%26_Demons#Characters

Post Modernism in Angels & Demons

Angels & Demons was written in 2003, which places it in the center of the postmodernism time period. Some major examples found throughout my novel are:

1. Point of View:  Postmodernism emphasizes a multiplicity of voices, and in Angels & Demons this is clearly visible. Brown shifts between chapters from the protagonist Robert and his mission to find the antimatter and save the Vatican. Then next chapter, has the antagonist Silas setting up the public murders of the cardinals or helping the Illuminati. With Brown doing this, it helped set up more suspense because one knows Roberts full story of what is happening but one only sees bits and pieces of what Silas is doing. It helps give an idea of what will happen next, but then Brown throws a twist in instead which completely shocks the reader.
2. Technology: Technology is everywhere in Angels & Demons, from the opening pages when the next generation x-33 takes Robert from New York City to Switzerland in an hour. Also the antimatter, new technology, was placed under the Vatican and used as a bomb. Even the Vatican, a seemingly old place, is filled with state of the art security systems and bomb defusing equipment.
3. Values: Postmodernism could be said to embody the philosophy "think globally, act locally." This trait can be seen in Maxim Kohler, director of CERN and Commander Olvetti. Both want to keep the antimatter a secret when they find it has be stolen and is being used as a terrorist weapon. Both are thinking locally as to what will be best for the reputation of CERN or the Vatican. Not for the people surrounding the Vatican and would have been decimated if the antimatter wasn't properly disposed of.

MLA Citation: Harper, Sue, Douglas Hilker, and Peter J. Smith. "Pg 453-456." Elements of English 12. Toronto: Harcourt Canada, 2002. Print.

*Note all quotes are taken directly from Pg 453-456 of Elements of English 12 textbook.

Angels & Demons Interesting Information

This is an on-going post with cool information I have came across throughout Angels & Demons.

1) This is an experimental plane called the X-33. It is the future of commercial flight, with the capability to travel from New York to Switzerland in an hour! Robert flies in this plane twice in the book, once from from New York to Switzerland and from Switzerland to Italy.

   

2) Ambigrams are found throughout Angels & Demons, and are used by the Illuminati to brand Vittoria's dad and the 4 cardinals. There is a total of 5 ambigrams and they are:

                         

3) The Vatican City is, in my opinion, the biggest part of the setting because its where the climax and also most of the action occur. There is lots of subtle facts about the Vatican City throughout Angels & Demons. For example Robert and Vittoria get the pleasure of going inside the Vatican's Archives. Some documents are thousands of years old in there!

4) The Secret Vatican Archives are a restricted section inside the Vatican where important documents owned by the Vatican are stored. There is an estimated 84 km of shelving, with around 35,000 volumes in the catalogue alone. The oldest surviving document in the archives dates back to the 8th century; according to the official Vatican website.

Article Analysis #1

http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/GLD/hits?r=d&origSearch=true&o=DataType&n=10&l=d&c=3&locID=stc23378&secondary=false&u=CLC&t=KW&s=3&NA=Dan+Brown&TI=Angels+And+Demons&finalAuth=true

My first secondary source article I used is titled "The Formula: The Novels of Dan Brown". It was a lengthy article that covered an array of literary techniques used by Dan Brown. Also it compares the similarities and differences between four of Brown's novels. The essay was written before The Lost Symbol was published. The main techniques I found are the formula, characters and time-scheme.

The Formula: The formula for Brown's novels, in the eye's of Doris L. Eder (article author), it begins with a corpse being found in an extraordinary position. In Angels and Demons, the novel starts with the body of Vittoria's dad found in his lab with an ancient ambigram branded onto his chest. An example of the formula in another work by Brown can be found in Deception Point. A geologist is hurled from a helicopter to his death in the opening pages of the novel. Moreover Brown ends all of his novels with a romantic engagement to help bring the plot in full circle. My article spoiled it for me, but apparently Robert and Vittoria are together in the end of Angels and Demons. In Digital Fortress it concludes with a romantic encounter between David Becker and Susan Fletcher, the novels to main characters.

Characters: Next are the consistent use of dark, eerie antagonists in all of his novels. Angels and Demons has the Arab Hassasin, who has the tendency to creep around dark areas and sometimes drops off the body of a dead cardinal in a church. Comparatively, in The Da Vinci Code the antagonist is a self-mortifying albino monk named Silas. On the other hand, the lead characters are always a male and female protagonist. There are Robert and Vittoria (Angels and Demons), Susan and David (The Digital Fortress) Rachel and Micheal (Deception Point) and Robert and Sophie (The Da Vinci Code). Every female protagonist in Brown's stories also share similar personality traits, such as: beautiful, brainy, quick-witted, resourceful, courageous and vulnerable.

Time-Scheme: Lastly, all of Brown's novels take place over a very short period of time. Angels & Demons starts with a call from Switzerland at 5:18am and the antimatter is set to blow up at midnight the same day. In the course of a single day, Robert travels from New York to Geneva, Switzerland to the Vatican City and all around Italy. Brown's other work Digital Fortress takes place over a Saturday and a Sunday and The Da Vinci Code takes place over two days. He even offers advice to other authors struggling to be published to write their story lines with a time deadline. Hes been quoted saying "nothing intensifies dramatic tension like time pressure".

Article Analysis #2

http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?vrsn=3&OP=contains&locID=ko_k12hs_d21&srchtp=athr&ca=1&c=1&ste=6&tab=1&tbst=arp&ai=U14066943&n=10&docNum=H1000152387&ST=dan+brown&bConts=6319&finalAuth=true 


The second article I have chosen is titled Dan Brown. It is a very detailed biography of Dan Brown's life. It includes lists and brief descriptions of his works, his scholarly childhood and awards for his literature.


This article is key for my blog because it is full of background information on my author and my novel. It also gives me an advantage on inferencing my novel. An example of this is while reading, a special bond is building between the two main characters Vittoria and Robert. "Langdon [Robert] gave Vittoria an impressed nod. She smiled back, and for an instant Langdon felt an unexpected connection... a thread of magnetism between them." (pg 288)
My article talks about Brown's style, and all four of his other novels end with romance between the two main characters. Therefore I have inferenced that there is a very high possibility that Robert and Vittoria will be romantically engaged by the end of the story.