Freemasons are an integral part of the plot of this novel. Were you surprised to learn that America’s founding fathers were a part of this organization? How do you think the founding fathers’ beliefs were inspired by Freemasonry, and how did those beliefs impact the basic building blocks of the current American government and political system?

Langdon discusses at length the idea that Washington, DC, was originally intended to be a new Rome. Why do you think the founding fathers would choose Rome as their model? How does the founding of the United States compare with the rise of the Roman Empire?

Family relationships are explored at length in this novel, particularly the relationship between Peter and his son, Zachary. How do parent-child relationships form the adult that the child will become? Is Peter truly responsible for what Zachary became and what he did? Use examples from the text to prove your point.