The+Lost+Symbol+by+Dan+Brown

=The Lost Symbol=

by Dan Brown
By: Jesse Krantz (B) The main character of the novel, Robert Langdon, is a very intelligent Harvard symbologist. Langdon is very familiar with history and common symbols commonly seen throughout the past. Langdon is invited to make a speech in the Capitol building in Washington D.C by who he believed to be his mentor, ever since his father's death, Peter Solomon. Solomon is a very educated man, just as Langdon, and is well versed in symbology. Solomon is decedent of a long line of successful and very wealthy people. Solomon was born into an incredible amount of wealth completely at his disposal. After arriving in Washington Langdon is lured into a trap by Mal'akh. Mal'akh is a mysterious, villainous character who is not only highly intelligent, but has a certain knack for human philosophy and religion over the sciences, which use evidence to interpret the world and history. When Solomon is kidnapped, clues are left for Langdon (by Mal'akh) to "open a portal" that Mal'akh believes is in Washington. The only possible relation between Mal'akh and Solomon is Katherine Solomon. Katherine Solomon, Peter's sister, is a Noetic scientist, who has just made various discoveries, which can save the world forever. Although it is not proved, Mal'akh is most likely using Solomon to get to his sister and sabotage her discoveries before they create a modern enlightenment. The last few characters known in the story so far are the government agents who are investigating Mal'akh. Security chief Trent Anderson is in charge of the Capitol's security. After discovering an amputated hand in the center of the Capitol Rotunda (Which Langdon suspected to be Solomon's), the government became involved in the story. Following the finding of the hand, the CIA's Office of Security, which inspects highly secretive cases, such as spying on other CIA agents is somehow notified of the events. Director Inoue Sato is the overlord of the CIA's OS (Office of Security). Somehow, she and her agents new to question Langdon about the hand in the Rotunda. Sato's involvement in the issue is unknown but at the moment Langdon is stuck in Washington at Sato's disposal until she finds out whatever it is she is looking for or she gets the information she wants.
 * Week 1- Topic: Characters[[image:the_lost_symbol.jpg width="175" height="261" align="right"]]**

Week 1- Topic: Discussion Questions Laura Bilash (D)

Robert Langdon knows a lot about modern and ancient history. For one, he is a professor, so he is a very intellectual person. Also, Mal’akh is looking for an ancient portal and he wants Robert to help him. He believes that Robert can help him even though Robert has no idea what he is talking about. Mal'akh knows who Robert Langdon is because he is a very profound professor and he knows that he is capable of helping him.
 * 1. What do you think the reason is for Mal’akh wanting Robert Langdon to be in Washington D.C.?**

We think that Peter Solomon is not is purgatory. It is pretty metaphoric so Mal’akh could be lying. We think that Peter Solomon is either dead or dying somewhere near or in Washington D.C. Mal'akh is probably just trying to scare Robert Langdon so that he will help him find the portal faster. If Robert knows that Peter is in possible danger, then he will most likely drop anything and do anything to help a friend in need.
 * 2. Do you think that Peter Solomon is really in “purgatory”? Where do you think he is?**

We think that Mal’akh does not really have powers. He is really intelligent but he is insane and thinks that he is an icon. He has a huge range of knowledge and knows a lot about history, legends, and everything. Mal'akh talks about a lot of different things but they are mostly very strange and hard to understand. When he says he wants to "show his true self," he probably means that he has something to reveal about himself. There is most likely something about him that is hidden from everyone around him.
 * 3. What kind of “powers” do you think Mal’akh has? What do you think he means by “showing his true self”?**

The severed hand is an invitation to something very important. It is an invitation to find the ancient portal. Mal’akh wants Robert Langdon to help him find the portal and that is why he is inviting him. He knows that Robert is a very intelligent man and can help him in some sort of way. The severed hand was a sign that Robert needed to interpret in order to get a clue of what was going on. Mal'akh knows that Robert Langdon has the intelligence to figure out what is going on and what the invitation really is.
 * 4. Do you think that the severed hand is really an invitation? What kind of an invitation?**

We believe that Robert Langdon was talking about the Free Masons. The secret most likely has to do with France or Paris when he went there. Robert Langdon knows a lot of secrets related to history and concepts that the average person does not understand or know of. There are a lot of secrets within the Free Masons, and Robert probably knows something that has to do with all of it.
 * 5. What kind of an ancient secret do you think Robert Langdon was talking about?**

Week 1-topic: Discussion Review Sagar Shah (C)

This week, the first week for our book’s book group went well. We had to read 100 pages (24 Chapters) in Dan Brown’s __//The Lost Symbol//__. Also, our discussion started with Becca’s bagels and orange juice from Ronnie’s Bagels. As time flew by talking about the novel and some key events such as predicting what was really in Mal’akh’s sling. Also, we discussed how the Redskin’s play-off added a touch of reality that Dan Brown left out in his other books. Furthermore, Laura asked her questions regarding why Robert Langdon was sent to the Rotunda in the Capitol and what the hand really meant. Also, we discussed how Dan Brown’s writing was unique and special because he makes his readers want to keep reading with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. Throughout our discussion, Mr. Morone came and we talked about how this book is great and how Dan Brown wrote about the new topic of freemasonry. He could have written about anything, but the Freemasons help this world and have their own secrets till date. This book is in its own world and when we read this book, none of us could put the book down because it is so extraordinary. We all read this first fifth of the book, but even though we did not have a lot of questions we also agreed that Dan Brown introduced characters by telling the reader a story and the reader figured the character’s traits and abilities. We all love Mal’akh even though he is creepy, but what reader doesn’t love the antagonist’s views? One fifth of this book was read and with our predictions like how there is a figure in Mal’akh’s sling might be right along with the fact that the severed hand is a sign for Robert to follow Peter Solomon’s mysterious imprisonment. This book lived up to its hype for this first fifth and I along with the rest of my group cannot wait to read the rest of the book.

Week 1-topic: Bring in Food Becca Kaul (A)

//**__End of Week 1 Book Club__ ** __**Week 2 Book Club:**__//

//Week 2: Topic-Language By: Becca Kaul (B)

Dan Brown's writing style is clear, straight to the point, and easy to read. He does not use unnecessary words that people have to look up in order to understand the meaning. He uses typical conversational words because most of the time in the book, there is dialogue. Our group has decided that he uses generally comprehensible vocabulary, which therefore is easier to read. The reader does not need to look up the meaning of many words in order to continue on in the story, the readers flow straight through the book. The fact that Brown does not use such advanced language, our group has also decided that it should be qualified as a young adult level book. //

//Week 2- Discussion Questions: By: Sagar Shah (D)//

I agree with Dan Brown about what he said because no country is perfect. Everyone is waitng for perfection and by adding parts such as the UN, not only America, but the entire world is trying to become perfect. The one dollar bill was the first paper money created in America and that shows that till now, America is not perfect. Wars have occured and many have sinned, but as a whole America, even though powerful, has done some belligerent moves in the eyes of the rest of the world. Many presidents come along to try to help the country, and even though that little part of the pyramid is right on top, one day, the two parts will converge into perfection.
 * 1)** **Do you think what Dan Brown said about the unfinished pyramid in America is true? Why or why not? (On the one dollar bill and that this pyramid waited patiently for it shining capstone, which hovered above it as a reminder of America's yet-unfulfilled destiny and the work yet to be done, both as a country and as individuals)Page 16, first few lines.**

I think that officer Nuñez felt very antsy because his job and life were on the line. First off, his job would be in danger if Bellamy found out what he did and if Sato found out if he lied about Bellamy's departure with Langdon. Also, Nuñez might be killed for not helping the CIA catch Bellamy and Langdon. Also, Nuñez was in trouble because if he did hide the key, he might be safe for a while until the security tapes show him with the other two men.
 * 2) How do you think officer Nuñez felt during the short time between Langdon and Bellamy's departing and Sato's arrival?**

I think that Bellamy and Langdon will be caught, but they will escape. By remembering that even though the men were in the center of the library, if Sato spots and tries to catch Bellamy and Langdon, Bellamy said that their current spot would help them not get trapped in the building. So eventually, the men will escape and they will live.
 * 3) What do you think will happen to Langdon and Bellamy, after knowing Sato found out where they were? Will the die or live? explain?**

Katherine escaped from Mal'akh twice. Once as a child and once after he killed Trish Dunne. I think that Katherine will call Langdon and ask him what is going on and then try to find her brother. I think that Mal'akh will not kill Katherine because he will no longer have the chance. In fact, i think that Katherine might kill Mal'akh because after killing her family, Katherine would want revenge.
 * 4) What will happen to Katherine now? Will Mal'akh kill her or will she live and kill him? Explain your answer.**

My favorite part about the book right now is the one of Bellamy and Langdon. I choose this mini part because it has a lot of drama. Langdon is trying to solve the puzzle, but he does not know some parts because he is questioning himself at every step. The letters make sense to him, but the code is weird. Also, Peter trusted Robert and because Langdon is the protagonist, the main story is revolved around him. Lastly, this part about deciphering the code seems very intriguing because I want to know how Robert figures out the code like the one about SBB13.
 * 5) What is your favorite part of the book as of right now? The Bellamy and Langdon part, the Sato part with catching Landgon, or the Katerine and Mal'akh part? Explain.**

By: Jesse Krantz (C) == This week we read up to page 200 in __//The Lost Symbol//__ by Dan Brown. The discussion began with Laura's delicious munchkins from Dunkin ' Donuts and some juice. We discussed many issues that arose within the past hundred pages, including the importance of the Redskins' game in the book. We discussed how the football game is more than just a simple relief from suspense and solemness, but is a way to keep track of time. The entire book is full of switches between characters, depicting multiple events occuring at once, which causes the reader to lose track of the time frame of the story, but the football game allows the reader to realize that all the events going on are in less than a few hours time due to the fact that characters are still watching the same sports game they were at the story's opening. After answering Shah's questions about characters intentions thus far in the story it made us realize how there is so much that can occur from this story. Each character was introduced with certain aspects of their personalities being revealed, but there was no precise description of the true character. At this point in the story amidst all the confusion and havoc, it leaves the reader in the dark about which characters are truly evil or virtuous. There was a lot of discussing, since we all have differenct opinions on the characters, such as if Sato is trying to steal the amulet from Robert or if she truly is investingating for the FBI. The most peculiar aspect of the story on page 200 is how the story seems to be drawing toward a conclusion, but yet there are still 300 pages left in the book. We discussed what we think will occur to keep the story alive for 300 more pages, but we do no have any logical guesses. Brown's book has been so thrilling, suspensful, and well-written so far that I am sure whatever it is that occurs to keep the book alive for the rest of the story will be above satisfactory and will undoubtedly keep me reading.
 * Week 2- Discussion Review**

Week 2 Topic: Bring in food Laura Bilash (A)


 * //__End of Week 2 Book Club__//**


 * Week 3 Book Club

//Week 3-Topic: Mood/Tone Laura Bilash (B)//

** The mood of this book tends to be very anticipating and thrilling. Throughout the book, Robert Langdon, the main character, is faced with several difficult challenges in order to save the life of a good friend. He, like many others, is doing all that he can to help save the life of Peter Solomon. The book is definitely a page-turner and with each chapter comes a new secret or mysterious information that is revealed through another secret. The overriding emotion of the book is anticipation. For example, Robert Langdon was summoned to decipher a pyramid that could possibly reveal a location that would unveil the Ancient Mysteries. Throughout the book, he has traveled through different places in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. He has walked through a secret underground basement to get the actual pyramid. Robert Langdon does not know what is going to happen to his friend Peter Solomon, but he knows that deciphering the inscription on the pyramid could very well save his life. As you can very well see, something new is revealed chapter after chapter and there is constantly new information that is found out. There is much anticipation because the reader never knows what is going to happen next. For example, the Ancient Mysteries have yet to be found out, but in each chapter, Robert Langdon is getting closer to deciphering the pyramid, which will then lead him to the staircase. He continues to find out new clues that will get him a step further in this difficult challenge. The reader, let alone the main characters, does not know what could happen next in this thrilling and adventurous novel.

By: Jesse Krantz
 * Week 3- Discussion Questions**

//What do you think holds the true power to make order from chaos, the site being hidden by the pyramid or Katherine Solomon’s scientific discoveries, why?// The science most likely holds the true secrets, since science is based on logic and factual information. The Masons may be hiding a significant truth, but it most likely does not hold as much real information as the science. Although both may hold important information, the Masons may hold secrets that relate to philosophy and religion and human understanding, but the science probably holds information so important that it can change the progression of mankind, such as new technology and a new level of understanding.

//How did Mal’akh’s life and education progress from his scars, does this have a positive or negative effect on his life? (Tattoos)// Mal'akh had many scars, one from when Peter Solomon shot him. Mal'akh wanted to cover the scars, getting the idea from a drug dealer he met with a lightning bolt scar covering his scarred arm. Mal'akh could not decide what tattoo to get, so he studied symbols and their meanings. The study of these symbols and their origins increased Mal'akh's education and took his understanding to an entirely new level. His education had a positive effect on him, enlightening him on the meaning of symbols and getting him more familiar with history. The education was also negative because it is most likely the reason for his corrupt mind. Mal'akh leads others to believe that he truly believes in symbols and philosphy and denies science, which caused him to destroy the important lab of Katherine's.

//How did the Masons express that one must be ‘Enlightened’ to uncover the mysteries held by the pyramid?// The Masons, such as Bellamy and Peter tell Robert that to unlock the secrets one must be familiar with symbols, philosophy, and history, but the path to decoding the pyramid express it. On the journey to uncover the mysteries of the pyramid, Robert learns that to get to the heart of these mysteries one must be familiar with a fair share of knowledge mostly from the time of the European Renaissance when the world became 'enlightened'. This shows how the Masons wanted only the knowledgeable to gain the knowledge being held by the pyramid. **Dan** Brown may also be using the theme or motif of knowledge to compare the Renaissance and its plethora of knothole to the modern world.

//Did Robert do the right thing by reluctantly pursuing to decrypt the pyramid after Katherine began to do so without Robert’s original consent?// As a friend and secret keeper, Robert made a bad decision, since he gave Peter and Bellamy his word that he would protect the secret held by the pyramid. Disobeying them might have been a big mistake if what they fear will occur actually occurs, since Robert will be the one to blame. On the other hand, Robert's best friend is a prisoner. Seeing Katherine's reaction may have stimulated Robert into thinking that he was obligated via his friendship to help Peter in this situation. Robert took a big risk beginning to uncover the secret, but he believes that by revealing the information he will be able to help Peter, which he clearly believes is more important than obliging by Peter's demands.

//Do you think that Bellamy and Peter’s lives are worth protecting a secret they have no proof is true?// Bellamy and Peter's lives are worth more than protecting this secret. For all they know, there is no secret. The Masons believe in this secret and believe in its power just as many people view god. They feel that they must give their lives to protect this secret from being revealed. The value of their lives is worth much more than than their faith in some ancient secret. From an outside point of view such as Robert's, the secret is not worth protecting if it costs a life, let alone two. The only reason that the men are willing to give their lives for the secret is because they are led to believe, by their ancestors and Masonic brothers that it will save mankind from the power of the secret being revealed and manipulated.

//Mal’akh takes a radical view against all logic, how does he view humans and their soul purpose on Earth and how does this dictate his true character?// Mal'akh does not view the world from a scientific view by using logic to decode the world. He also does not view the world from the traditional philosophical view, in which a god created humans in his image on Earth. Instead, Mal'akh views humans as helpless beings who roam the Earth blindly. Mal'akh's view of humans and the world give the true insight to who he really is. Throughout the story, Mal'akh is known as a tattooed man, so his real physical form is unknown and he is also seen under many aliases, which symbolizes his lack of identity. Mal'akh considers himself a god or a prophet. Thus far in the story, the most information that can be gathered about this enigmatic villain character is seen not physically, but through his unique logic and thoughts. By Becca Kaul
 * Week 3 - Discussion Review

This week's book discussion started off with some munchkins and Snapple tea from Shah. We then began to talk about pages 200 to page 300, which was the assigned reading for this week. We spent a lot of time discussing the questions that Jesse asked, and some questions made us uncertain of our own opinions of each character. Mal'akh who we once appreciated as the villain, we have come to strongly dislike due to his perception of himself. He thinks of himself as a prophet, while thinking that everyone else is aimlessly wandering the Earth. We also discussed how Mal'akh came to believe that he was a prophet and a divine figure in society. Most of us thought it was somewhat disturbing that he turned his scars into tattoos, considering there are so many. Although it was creepy, we found it interesting that he became his own work of art, and how he researched what the tattoos meant before he would get them; they were not random in any way, they each meant something special to him. You could say that we were surprised that Mal'akh learned the ways of Freemasonry and of the Ancient Mysteries through tattoo art. We were also somewhat shocked that Robert continued to decode the pyramid, even though we agreed that we would do it ourselves. We all hoped that Robert would continue resisting the decoding of the pyramid because we agreed that Peter would have liked it that way. ** Week 4: **

Week 4 Themes and Images: By: Sagar Shah

On your group's wiki page, discuss the themes and images that your book contains. What are some of the images that are used? What do they seem to represent? Why do you think the author uses these images to convey his or her meaning?

This novel is filled many different images and themes. Throughout the novel, Dan Brown uses scenes and describe them magnificent imagery. From the Rotunda of the Capital, to the SBB 13 room with an arid environment, to Mal akh's house are are images that can be seen in the reader's eyes. Also, the main image of this novel is the masonic pyramid because apparently, the world's secrets are in a secret location and this pyramid reveals where that treasure is. Also, the cube changes shape and with the new deciphered codes, Mal ak'h, Langdon and Katherine, all saw the new shape of the pyramid when it turned into a cube. There is always a message from the pyramid and it guides one to the treasure. When Mal ak'h trapped Langdon in the cofin and made him solve Franklin's master puzzle, the new image facing Langdon was death. He was going to die because he had been conned by the former man called Andros (Mal ak'h) and also because both men knew that if Langdon did in deed come back, Mal ak'h's plan would be in jeopardy.

Suspense is a major theme in this novel because of the way Dan Brown writes. At the end of each chapter, there is usually a cliff hanger and that forces me to want to read even more. Also, the battle between masonic beliefs and noetic science, (Katherine's life's work) are two key players because the masonic philosophies were structured and just gave little information. Katherine's work, however explained the beliefs and also, through Katherine's work, part of deciphering the pyramid was able to have been accomplished. Moreover, the theme of darkness before dawn is dramatic because in all of Dan Brown's novels, the plot takes place in the darkness. In The Lost Symbol, Mal ak'h is very clandestine type of person and when Langdon and Katherine solve parts of the puzzle, the darkness is inching away. Sure time plays a big role due to the deadline for deciphering the code, but also, the mysteriousness of Mal ak'h shows dramatic irony because no other character knows about Andros (Mal ak'h's life before he came to America). So far this book is great and with Langdon dead so far, who knows what might happen next.

** **Week 4: Discussion Review By Laura Bilash (C)** This week we read up to page 400 in __The Lost Symbol.__ The discussion started off with some munchkins and orange juice from Jesse. Then we began to discuss the topic for this week, which was themes and images. We came up with many different themes that went along with the book. One major theme is order from chaos, which is discussed very often in the book. The phrase "order from chaos" is in-scripted in the Ancient Pyramid and is often referred to when deciphering the pyramid. Another major theme that we discussed is suspense. Throughout the book, Robert Langdon is faced with several difficult challenges in order to decipher the pyramid. He, along with Katherine, have to figure out the true meaning of the pyramid. In each chapter, Katherine and Robert get one step closer to deciphering the pyramid, but at the last second, the chapter ends and something happens that twists the entire story around. After we discussed the themes, Becca asked her questions and we each gave our own opinions to them. Some of the questions that were asked had to do with Zachary, Peter Solomon's son. After discussing it, many new possibilities came up and we started to question our previous responses. We were not sure whether or not Zachary was actually dead, or if his soul was in Mal'akh. This brought up a lot of questions because if Zach really was not dead, then Mal'akh could possibly and figuratively be Zach. This would twist the entire story around and change many opinions. After we discussed that, some of our views of the book changed and we began to further question the possibilities of what was going to happen in the end of the book.

By Becca Kaul (D)** The group agreed that the Ancient Mysteries will not have such a large effect on the world, but it will have a big effect on philosophical knowledge. We said that it will not have a large effect on the world because we believe that Mal'akh will want to keep the information to himself. Also, it might be kept a secret because Sato clearly does not want the information revealed. As it was said in the book, what Sato wants, Sato gets. So if Sato wants it to be a secret, she will do everything in her power to keep it that way. ** We have decided that Peter was probably being taken to "the mountain" by Mal'akh which was where the order is being kept. We figure this because Mal'akh believes that Peter knows all about the Order and its location. **
 * Week 4: Discussion Questions
 * 1)** **How do you think the revealing of the Ancient Mysteries will affect the rest of the world, and Mal’akh?
 * 2)** **Where do you think Peter was headed when Mal’akh took him away from Katherine?

We believe that it is Peters fault that Zach was killed. We do not believe that Peter intended for this to happen, but we think that it is his fault. Zach was in a prison in a foreign country, and Peter came to visit him. Peter didn't want to take Zach out of the cell, he simply wanted him to endure it, and learn his lesson, and therefore, he made Zach stay in prison. Mal’akh was sharing a cell with Zach at the time, and decided to kill him for his money. Mal’akh believed that it was Peter’s fault that Zach died, not his own, because if Zach wasn’t there, then Mal’akh coulnd’t have killed him. And surprisingly enough, we agree with him.
 * 3)** **Do you think that it was Peter’s fault that Zach died?**

Half of us believe that Zach is not dead. They believe that Zach’s identity is no longer the same because he changed his name to Mal’akh. On Mal’akh’s 18th birthday, Peter offered him wisdom, or wealth, and Zach chose wealth. Now, they believe that Zach has stumbled upon some information about the Ancient Mysteries, and now wants the wisdom, but is using his wealth from Peter to get the information. On the other hand, the second half of our group believes that Zach’s spirit is dead, and his body is also. They believe that Mal’akh actually did kill Zach for his money.
 * 4)** **Do you think that Zach is actually dead, or do you think that Zach walked out of the cell after killing HIS cellmate?**

Katherine will somehow get Langdon’s soul in his body. We also believe that the knowledge hidden in the pyramid will most likely be found out be Mal’akh. We also predict that the impact of Katherine’s science had on the world, and the impact from the pyramid’s effect on the world. **
 * 5)** **What do you predict will happen at the end of the book?

**W****eek 5- Topic: Book Response** ** By Jesse Krantz ** The book was great! Dan Brown was able to effectively relate religion, philosophy, and even science all together. Brown used multiple abstract concepts such as these and twined them together. The story made so much sense that it is hard not to believe the information that is explained. Not only does Brown find common themes throughout religion but he finds similar themes that link together religion and science. Brown helps the reader to get more of a sense of the influences of the world. Brown uses his education to logically explain the unexplainable things such as the supposed secrets of the mason or the influential events of the Renaissance enlightenment. Although he writes fiction, if the reader was unaware, the book makes so much sense it seems like non-fiction content. The topics in the book have been written about individually countless times, but this is the first book I have heard of that successfully links all these abstract concepts together, and Brown does it so precisely I don't think any other author can compete. The book should most definitely be included in World History curriculum. The overall themes of the book fit perfectly with teachings of the Renaissance. Not only would I recommend this book, but I already have. I have lent the book to my World History book. I did so because I thought that a World History teacher would appreciate such logical writing about topics so contradicting that are presented to fit together so perfectly as Brown does to religion, enlightenment, scientific fact, and philosophical legend. The book is an overall A+ and most definitely my favorite book!

Laura Bilash (D)**  Yes, we believe that Mal'akh told Peter that right before he wanted him to kill him because he wanted him to feel guilty and possibly make the decision not to kill him. When Peter found out that Mal'akh was actually Zach, he became extremely upset, confused, and at a loss of words. It seemed as though Peter was going to change his mind and not kill Mal'akh, just because it was really his son. Peter became very infuriated after he found out because it changed everything that has been going on for awhile.
 * Week 5: Discussion Questions
 * 1. Do you think that Mal'akh told Peter that he was his son right before he wanted him to kill him so that Peter would second guess himself and feel guilty?**

Yes, Mal'akh did have hate towards his family. On the other hand, Mal'akh didn't really consider anyone his family. He completely transformed himself so that he was no longer Zach, and that also meant separating himself from his family. He was mad at Peter for what they did, but hypothetically they weren't his family. His hate was mostly towards Peter because he tried to kill him twice. He had so much hate towards Peter and his family, which wasn't his family anymore, because of what they did to him. Therefore, he did have a lot of hate towards them.
 * 2. Even though Mal'akh had his reasons for killing his family, why do you think he went that far? Do you really think he had that much hate towards his family?**

If the video was sent out, the people who received it would be shocked at first. They would most likely use it against anyone who was in the videos, such as senators and people of high positions. The video wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but nobody fully understands what was really going on. Most people would protest against it, which would cause a lot of chaos. Overall, there would mostly just be a lot of chaos towards it because people do not actually understand the true meaning of Masonic initiations.
 * 3. If the video of the Masonic initiations was sent out to the public, what do you think their reaction would have been?**

Robert Langdon was feeling hopeful because he had not had that feeling in a long time. It was hope because for the first time, Robert finally knew everything. He knew that the science backed up the tradition. Throughout the book, he, along with many others, were constantly trying to figure out the true meaning of the Masonic pyramid and the coded messages and all of the secrets. He had been through a lot to figure all of it out and he had been waiting and continuously trying. He hoped that it would all work out in the end. He also hoped that everyone else understood it too. It was a hard thing for people to fully understand, and Robert really hoped that they would.
 * 4. On the last line of the book, Robert Langdon said that he had a feeling of hope that he had never felt so profoundly in his entire life. Why do you think it was hope that he was feeling?**

We think that the ending was good because it tied everything together including the science and the tradition. We found out how everything was linked to each other, including the science, the history, and the tradition. The Masonic pyramid held a lot of secrets, and in the end, we got to find out what it really all meant. There could have been more information that revealed more science or anything that would make it a really good ending. Overall, though, it was a very good ending.
 * 5. Overall, do you think that the ending of the book was well done? Do you think that more information should have been further explained or revealed?**

Week 5: Discussion Review Sagar Shah

This week we finished __The Lost Symbol__ by Dan Brown. We began the meeting with bagels and orange juice brought by Becca. We proceeded by answering the discussion questions made by Laura. We then discussed the book as a whole. The book was very detailed and was some-what confusing, so we just discussed many of the important events, themes, and symbols of the book to help each other understand the story more clearly. The discussion cleared several things in the story, such as what the Lost Symbol, or Lost Word as they sometimes called it, actually was. The Word was referenced many times but it was never actually found, just explained, so the discussion helped us to understand what it was. Also, there were many overlapping themes and ideologies referenced throughout the story, so discussing them also helped us clearly visualize each idea by itself and not grouped together the way it was expressed by Brown in the novel. The last hundred pages cleared a lot about the story and sharing our ideas about them through the book club only enhanced the story more. We discussed the many questions built up throughout the book that were revealed at the conclusion of the novel, such as Sato's identity, what Mal'akh what planning to do, and what would happen to Peter Solomon. Overall, the book is great, giving the reader just enough fact and history, but is not too stingy with the characters and fiction aspect of the story. This book is great and anyone interested in history and the Renaissance would have a field day reading this book. I highly recommend this book, it is definitely my favorite!