The Role of Art and Symbols
InfernoArt, literature, and symbols drive the plot, from the Map of Hell to the death mask, serving as clues and metaphors.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Projector and the Map
The Artifact as Key
The Hidden Message
Langdon uses his knowledge of art history to decode the modified Botticelli painting. The code "cerca trova" is a classic art mystery.
The Symbolic Power
The map of hell represents the real-world crisis. The plague doctor and the letters are symbolic pointers to the truth.
The Intellectual Chase
The novel celebrates the power of art to convey hidden meanings. Langdon's expertise is essential to solving the puzzle.
The Death Mask
The Face of the Poet
The Tangible Link
Dante's death mask is a physical connection to the poet. The poem written on its back provides the final clue to the plague's location.
The Ritual Cleansing
Langdon wipes away the gesso to reveal the hidden text, a symbolic act of purification. The mask becomes a vessel for truth.
The Return
At the end, Langdon returns the mask to its display case, restoring it to its rightful place. The cycle of art and mystery is complete.
Early in the story
Mid-story
