In this section, Langdon thinks about how many other prominent scholars are listed on his bibliography. Interestingly, when Brown lists other books which support the claims made in this book (in chapter 60) none of them are published by a university press. Typically, in academic research only books published by a university press (for example, Harvard University Press) are considered reputable because of the rigorous scrutiny they must undergo by other scholars in the field. It seems unlikely that Robert, a prominent Harvard professor, would publish with anyone except a university press. In mentioning that there are renowned scholars writing about this subject coupled with the later insertion of the titles of other books, Brown seems to lend credibility to the subject that does not necessarily exist.

This novel will frequently return to pagan sexual rituals, which are meant to inspire spirituality and bring humans closer to God. In this section Langdon and Sophie ride through the Garden of Earthy Delights, which portrays a different kind of sex. Instead of seeking divine communion, these people seek to sell themselves to people who seek sex for purely selfish reasons. This is an important contrast. Pagan sexual rites are not meant to be degrading or cavalier; they are meant to occur on a higher level than other human interactions.

In this section, Sophie once again proves herself more capable at a typically “male” activity, driving. Langdon is unable to operate a car with manual transmission. Each time Sophie is better at doing something that men are supposed to know how to do, Brow shows how the rules governing gender roles are changing. People who do not abide by the old rules, such as Langdon and Sophie, will have to battle with those who rigidly cling to the rules, such as Aringarosa and Fache.