The Wheel of Darkness is a thrilling novel that takes place in 1890 and follows the journey of Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene as they race against time to find a cure for a deadly virus unleashed by a Tibetan monk on board the steamship, Britannia. In this book summary, we will discuss the plot, characters, themes, symbols, and key points of this exciting novel.
Table of Content
The Wheel of Darkness Book Summary
Plot Summary
Set in 1890, the story begins with a mysterious coffin that is being transported on board the steamship, Britannia. The coffin is said to contain the remains of a revered Tibetan monk and is being transported to London. However, the coffin is not what it seems and the monk is not dead. The monk awakens from his trance and unleashes a deadly virus that threatens to wipe out the entire ship. The story follows the journey of Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene as they race against time to find a cure for the virus and stop the monk from unleashing a greater evil upon the world.
Character Analysis
Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast - An FBI agent who is known for his unorthodox methods and his keen intellect. He is the protagonist of the story and is tasked with solving the mystery of the deadly virus.
Constance Greene - A young woman who is a ward of Pendergast. She is a brilliant scientist and assists Pendergast in finding a cure for the virus.
Diogenes Pendergast - The estranged brother of Aloysius Pendergast. He is a brilliant but twisted individual who is obsessed with his brother.
The Wheel of Darkness Book Review
The Wheel of Darkness is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot is well-crafted and the characters are well-developed. The author, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, have once again delivered a masterpiece that is sure to captivate readers.
The Wheel of Darkness Quotes
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
The Wheel of Darkness Key Points
Themes
Exploration of the unknown, the power of knowledge, the dangers of obsession, the importance of trust and loyalty.
Symbols
The coffin, the virus, the wheel of darkness.
FAQs for The Wheel of Darkness
1. What is the significance of the coffin in the story?
The coffin is said to contain the remains of a revered Tibetan monk, but it is not what it seems and holds a greater mystery.
2. What is the Wheel of Darkness?
The Wheel of Darkness is a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
3. Who is Diogenes Pendergast?
Diogenes Pendergast is the estranged brother of Aloysius Pendergast, who is a brilliant but twisted individual obsessed with his brother.
4. What is the virus that is unleashed on the Britannia?
The virus is a deadly disease that threatens to wipe out the entire ship and is unleashed by the Tibetan monk.
5. How does Constance Greene help in finding a cure for the virus?
Constance Greene is a brilliant scientist who assists Pendergast in finding a cure for the virus.
6. What is the role of the Tibetan monk in the story?
The Tibetan monk unleashes a deadly virus on the Britannia and is a key figure in the story.
7. How does the story explore the dangers of obsession?
The story explores the dangers of obsession through the character of Diogenes Pendergast, who is obsessed with his brother and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
8. What is the significance of the title, The Wheel of Darkness?
The title refers to the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the cycle of life and death.
9. How does the story explore the power of knowledge?
The story explores the power of knowledge through the character of Constance Greene, who is a brilliant scientist and assists Pendergast in finding a cure for the virus.
10. What is the message of the story?
The message of the story is that knowledge is power, but obsession can be dangerous and lead to destruction.