University of Tlemcen

PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ALGERIA

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University of Tlemcen

Faculty of Letters and Languages Department of English

Detecting the Detective Elements in Dan Brown’s


The Da Vinci Code



An Extended Essay Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for a Master’s Degree in Anglo-Saxon Literature and Civilisation
Presented by Supervised by

Mr. Tebba Khalil Dr. Mouro Wassila

2015/2016

Abstract

This dissertation aims at investigating the extent to which Dan Brown’s the Da Vinci Code conforms to the techniques of the detective novel. The desired results of this work will be concluded through many processes of analyzing the different characteristics of the novel concurrently comparing them and reflecting them to the existing techniques of the genre. The detective novel is very unique in style and so it has established a certain distinctiveness of components presented in special plot, characterization and settings; the individuality of these apparatuses are described and identified in order to understand how the detective novel is specially built. Through carefully examining and scrutinizing the varying elements of the novel the results show that the novel does not only conform to the standards of the detective novel but also goes as far as contributing with being a masterpiece and stunning success to the American detective literature.

Acknowledgement

Words cannot express my gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Mouro Wassila whose instructions and guidance lightened up my path and directed me to the right way in conducting this dissertation.

My entire appreciation goes to the members of the jury and all my teachers of the English department at Abou Baker Belkaid University for their considerable efforts throughout my years of study.

Dedication

I dedicate this work to my father and my mother, who are my models and best companions in life.

To the sweetest teacher I have ever known Dr. Mouro Wassila. To my beloved Selma, the sweetest person ever.

To my dear brother, and my crazy beloved sisters.

To my beloved cousins whom my words cannot express my love and gratitude to.

To my best friends, Yassine Farhi, Taki and ziad.