The Da Vinci Code wouldn't have been the same book without characters that are so preternaturally clever it almost defies belief. In every chapter there are examples of amazing forethought, quick thinking, and clever double-entendres that allow our protagonists to make a quick escape or put together a puzzle that would've stumped Da Vinci himself.
Dan Brown's mastery of making these feats seem effortless and fluid is part of what made this book the bestseller that it was.
Questions About Cunning and Cleverness
- Looking back through the book, can you find examples of where the Teacher manipulated things to go his way? Where did Teabing/the Teacher make mistakes (or did he make any?)
- Who is smarter: Sophie or Langdon?
- Which one is the better mastermind: Teabing or Saunière?
- What are some examples of quick thinking that get our characters out of a bind?