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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
