Essay Questions

Which two characters are portrayed as prodigies by Dan Brown in the novel Inferno?

Under normal circumstances, it is very hard to find prodigies among communities and having one is a blessing in many ways. Geniuses are individuals with capabilities of solving impossible problems to help the society get a solution. In the novel Inferno, Dan Brown identifies Sienna Brooks and Robert as prodigies because of their capability to solve difficult problems. They have the ability to solve furtive conundrums regarding the harmful virus which is threatening the existence of humanity. Throughout her life, Sienna Brooks has had the ability of thinking ahead of others and that is why she is able to solve riddles around her without necessarily seeking assistance.

What is the primary objective of Professor Langdon?

Throughout the novel, Dan Brown depicts Professor Langdon as the most humane person who does not agree on the projected methods of depopulation. His primary objective is to do everything possible to ensure that he saves people from the distinction which is facing them. Zobrist has a negative motive and intention of spreading a dangerous virus to reduce the human population. According to Zobrist, the number of human beings on earth has surpassed the norm and something must be done to reduce them. Robert is in support of professor Langdon because reducing humans causing infertility using the virus is inhumane. According to Robert, every person must live because life itself is a gift from the creator. Therefore, Professor Langdon does everything within his power to protect mankind from distinction with the help of Robert and Sienna who discovers the puzzle of the deadly virus.

How does the theme of lethal iniquities unfold in the novel?

The author portrays characters such as Dante and Zobrist as sinful because their actions go against the moral standards in society. For instance, Dante is covetous and gluttonous and he is so proud that his actions are difficult to punish. Zobrist is another character who is planning to commit a deadly sin of making the population infertile through the spread of a fatal virus. He believes that the globe is overpopulated and the best way to control population growth is by making people infertile. According to Robert, such an act of using the virus to make people infertile is no different from murder. It is unforgivable sin and God is not going to tolerate it because it interferes with his creation.