Codes and symbols appear throughout the book. Christopher declares that when he has his own shop, “I’m putting everything in code.” Why does Master Benedict use codes? Give examples where codes and symbols are important in the plot.
The Blackthorn Key
Work from the bottom up--Response 1 first and Response 13 last.
On page 11 it says, “‘...When I have my own shop,’ I said proudly, ‘I’m putting everything in code.’” Master Benedict puts his recipes in code because as it says on page 11, “‘...other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets.’” Some examples where codes and symbols are important in the plot is on page 296, when it gives a chart of what symbols are, they call it a Vocabularium Alchemiae. One part of the book where symbols are used is when Christopher and Tom are going into the secret workshop the first time on page 209 it says, “Gilded next to the serpent at the top was a triangle with a, line across it, like the peak of a snow capped mountain. The dragon in front of Tom had three highlighted symbols: a triangle, upside down; a curious ladder with a strange zigzag at the bottom; and a circle with a horizontal line through it.” The symbols are important to the book because otherwise the book would be boring. There wouldn’t be anything for Christopher and Tom to figure out other than who the murderers are. The whole book would be oh, open this door, to make gun powder you use this, this, and this, it would have not dramatic flare.
ReplyDeleteWhen Christopher declares that he will have his own shop, he says that he will put everything in code. On page 11 it says,” ‘ Why is it always in code?’ ‘ Because other Apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets. When I have my own shop’ I said proudly,’I'm putting everything in code.No one is going to swipe my recipes.’ “ Code are important in this book because that is what makes the book exciting. One page 296 it give you the Vocabularium Alchemiae with all of the symbols and code on that page.An example of when Christopher and Tom use the code is on page 297 it states,” ‘ We already know this is mercury,’ I said, pointing to the hole on the left.’ The one at the top is . . . air’ I said puzzled.” If there was no code in this book, I think that it would be really boring because Tom and Christopher wouldn't need to work as hard on all of the clues. I think that Master Benedict uses codes and symbols because he wants Christopher to be able to read all of his codes.
ReplyDeleteIn the book The Blackthorn Key we come across many codes. Throughout the story codes are used to keep secrets hidden. While reading the book I’ve come to find that codes have been very handy on page 111 it says “He studied it for a moment. I can’t read this.’ he said. I hadn’t expected him to. In the ledger, Master Benedict wrote names and remedies in shorthand, and often Lattin. He’d taught me the same code. We did it partly because it was faster, and partly because it was another way to keep our business secret.” This shows us a perfect example of why codes can be useful. In this situation we come to find that Master Benedict wants to transfer a code to Christopher without anyone knowing. This one example shows us just how handy codes can be.
ReplyDeleteGreat example and quote, Ellie! You prove your point well.
DeleteMaiya Swan
ReplyDeleteIn the book, The Blackthorn Key, we come to find multiple codes for all sorts of different things. When Christopher has his own shop, he will put everything in code, he says on page 111. Master Benedict uses codes repeatedly because other apothecaries will do anything to find out your secrets and formulas. Codes and symbols are very important in the plot because if there weren’t codes and symbols, someone might’ve found the Archangels Fire before Christopher and Tom did. Then the Archangels Fire could be in the wrong hands, and everything would go downhill from there. In my opinion, I think Master Benedict was very smart by putting many things in code and symbols.
In the book, lots of codes appear through Christopher's plot. Master Benedict uses codes because other apothecaries will try to take their secrets, as it says on page 11. Another reason why I think Master Benedict was using codes was because he knew the people were coming for the Archangels Fire so he used codes to have Christopher figure out before anyone else does. I think that was very intelligent of him to put all of these symbols and codes and it worked as Christopher was able to get them and finds the Archangel Fire. In my own opinion, putting these symbols and codes makes the book a lot more interesting and mysterious. But all in all, these things are handy and fun as Master Benedict wisely used these codes throughout the book.
ReplyDeleteJoshua Bloomfield
ReplyDeleteThe first (and most important ) code in this book is the one that eventually gets you gunpowder. The reason I like this one is that it sort of sets the theme for the rest of the book (which eventually gets much darker). But that first code, sets a fun, loving, destructive theme for the book. I mean they quite literally blow up a bear. On the other hand Symbols also played a major role in this book from their first appearance using the liquid key after reading the Mercury symbol. This plays a part later on when they break into Hugh’s house after they find his key behind a brick with the same Mercury symbol. Even further there is the same symbol etched in the marble at the bottom of Henry Mortimer’s casket. Then just a little bit after that even more symbols come into play when they find the iron door with four symbols on it and a few dragons. And finally Master Benedict uses codes to keep unfriendly eyes from finding out his recipes and remedies that he makes money from. Anyhow whether Benedict is making recipes and remedies for his shop, or working in an underground tunnel cooking up a weapon then coding the paper you write the recipe on, codes and symbols played an extremely important role in the plot.
Master Benedict uses codes because he has recipes that other apothecaries don't have. If they were to take the recipe they may not have any idea what is on the paper. Codes are very important in the plot due to secret projects like the Archangel's Fire. If the Archangel's Fire was just secret you could of slipped a word out or two of where it was but the code would be the complete answer to where it was. I believe Master Benedict did the right thing by putting recipes in codes because not a lot of the people would understand what all of the gibberish was. Master Benedict was very smart for putting everything in codes and Christopher learned well after Benedict.
ReplyDeleteChristopher said that he is putting everything in code. I think that he is doing this because that's what Master Benedict did. Master Benedict was smart to put everything in code. In the book on page 11 it states, “...other apothecaries will do anything to still your secrets.” That's why codes are important. Codes are used for about everything in this book. Another thing that codes were used for was the recipe for the Archangels Fire. Christopher hid that recipe of codes from Oswyn and his men. He wasn't about to let them have it and gain power.
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ReplyDeleteRachel B.
All throughout the book, codes were used not only by Master Benedict but by other apothecaries as well. In the book on page 11 it says “because Master Benedict doesn’t want anyone to read it” I think this is an excellent reason why Mater Benedict used codes. Without codes in this book I think the plot would be completely different. Instead of not being able to read the ledger page Lord Ashcombe would have seen the message and found the Archangel’s Fire. Or the murders would not have to have happened because no codes would make it easier to find where the Archangel’s Fire might be. In my opinion the story would be very different if codes were not used.
Jerek-
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes in the book to hide his secrets from people who want to steal his recipes and remedies. Master Benedict hides codes inside of other codes so only Christopher has the knowledge to decipher the clues that Master Benedict leaves him. In the book, the codes and symbols are important when Christopher needs to unlock the door behind the mural by putting the correct liquids into the door to unlock them. To unlock the door, he had to get a book made by Master Benedict showing what different symbols even meant. Another time when Christopher used codes and symbols is when he deciphered his Master’s warning about his killers. Therefore, Christopher was able to interpret the clues and was able ultimately find and send his Master’s killers to prison. Without the secret codes that Master Benedict left Christopher, he wouldn’t be able to find the Archangels Fire.
The messages were hidden so well within codes, right, Jerek! I loved the integration of codes and symbols. Great response!
DeleteThere were many codes and symbols used in the book, The Blackthorn Key. Master Benedict had recipes that other apothecaries didn't have and in order to keep those secret, he used codes and symbols that other apothecaries wouldn't know. Christopher states on page 11 that when he gets his own shop, he will put everything in code. One example why codes and symbols are important to the plot is the Archangels Fire. Master Benedict knew that other apothecaries were looking for it, so he used codes that Christopher knew so that he could find the recipe to make the Archangels Fire before anyone else did. Just before Benedict died, he left a message, written in code for Christopher. Christopher found it and started to figure it out. Christopher had most of the message figured out, but the last line had him confused. Luckily, when he was trapped inside Oswyn's office, he finally figured it out. It told him that Isaac had the key. Christopher and Tom went to Isaac's shop and Isaac lead them up a secret passageway, and gave them the key. On page 292, it says, "Tucked inside the back cover was a piece of parchment. On it was a chart, written in Master Benedict's hand. Symbols, rows of them, were scrawled down the paper, a label beside each one." This all relates to codes and symbols being important to the plot because if Christopher never found the message that Master Benedict left him, he would have never found the Archangels Fire before anybody else.
ReplyDeleteOn page 11, Christopher Rowe declares that when he gets his own shop, he is going to use code for everything. In the book it says that Master Benedict used code "'Because other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets.'" One example of when codes are important in the plot is when Christopher and Tom are trying to get into the door under the crypt. On page 209 it says, “Gilded next to the serpent at the top was a triangle with a line across it, like the peak of a snow capped mountain. The dragon in front of Tom had three highlighted symbols: a triangle, upside down; a curious ladder with a strange zigzag at the bottom; and a circle with a horizontal line through it.” This is one example of when codes are used so secrets stay secrets, as Christopher only knows one of the symbols that reveal the key to the door. On page 296 the "Vocabularium Alchemiae", a list of symbols, is presented, and among those symbols are the ones Christopher and Tom need to get through the door. I believe that without code or unknown symbols, the book would be kind of bland, and it wouldn't be as exciting as it is now, because in the altered version, Chris and Tom would only have to find out who has been killing people, and that would be the end of it. Codes and symbols are also important to the plot because without Chris knowing how to decipher the original note left by Master Benedict after he died, Chris would still be in the dark as to who killed his master and the other apothecaries, and he would still be in danger.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes and symbols so that other apothecaries and bad people can’t use the recipes and medicines that Benedict and Christopher use in their shop. One example of this is in the very beginning of the book when Tom and Christopher are trying to make gunpowder. On page 11, Christopher and Tom are having a conversation about why everything has to be in code. “‘ It’s in code.’ I said. ‘Why is it always in code?’ ‘Because other apothecaries will do anything to steal our secrets. When I have my own shop,’ I said proudly, ‘I’m putting everything in code.’” All apothecaries, not just Master Benedict use codes so they can protect their work. Master Benedict also protected his work with the Archangel’s Fire, by giving the key to Christopher and hiding the key very deeply within codes. If he hadn’t used codes to hide the key, bad people like Oswyn would have found the Fire much easier and a lot of destruction would have been caused. Apothecaries were very smart to have used codes to hide their work.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes in his shop, so no one can steal his recipes. On page 11 it says "because other apothecaries will do anything to steal our secrets." Christopher tells Tom that when he gets his own shop that everything will be in codes. Because he doesn't want anyone to steal his recipes. Master Benedict uses codes to war Christopher and give him clues to find the Archangel's fire. Master Benedict knew that Christopher would be able to understand the code. He proved it when he deciphered the code to make a canon.
ReplyDeleteIn the book the Blackthorn Key codes are very important. Christopher said he wanted to put everything in code when he gets his own shop.Master Benedict had a lot of different spells and recipes that other apothecaries did not have.Other apothecaries wanted some of Master Benedict's secret spells but because they used codes none of the apothecaries got any of the recipes or the Archangels fire . Master Benedict had to keep those recipes secret.The way he keep those secret were codes.Codes are also very important because the Archangels fire is protected by the codes and symbols it is also important in the plot.It protect the The Archangels fire because Master Benedict and Christopher were the only ones who knew the code.When Master Benedict died he left a message in code for Christopher so no one else could know the message. That message was very important because if it was not for the message Christopher would not even have the Archangels fire. All of this is important to the plot.
ReplyDeleteI love that you give multiple examples of how codes were used in the book and why they were important, Franny.
DeleteDerrick Caldwell,
ReplyDeleteIn the book code appear though out the book. Because master Benedict does not like other people stealing his secrets. on page 11 it states."Because other apothecary will do anything to steal your secrets. When i have my own shop, I'm putting everything in code." that is why he puts everything in code
Master Benedict uses codes so other people can’t steal his creations. A major reason Master Benedict uses code is because on page 11 it says, “Because other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets”. The codes and symbols play a significant part in the story because they act has clues to Christopher on how to solve each mystery. On page 12 Christopher finds the ingredients for a recipe but they are inscribed in code. He figures that it’s a substitution code and learns that the formula is for gunpowder. He later uses symbols from the Vocabularium Alchemiae to open a door. These symbols tell Christopher to mix air, water, and salt to open the door. Without the use of codes and symbols anyone could find the answer, but with them the secrets of the apothecaries are much easier to hide.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the book the Blackthorn Key you come across many different codes and symbols. On page 11 it states, “Why is it always in code?’ “Because other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets. When I have my own shop, I’m putting everything in a code.” This is significant because it already gives you an idea of why apothecaries use code early on in the book.On page 296 you are given a chart called the Vocabularium Alchemiae which shows all the different symbols and codes. This helps Christopher in a big way, because Master Benedict was always using codes and teaching them to Christopher, him and Tom were able to find the Archangels Fire. With out all of the codes the book would be simple and boring.
ReplyDeleteLola, the use of codes made the book so much more fun to read! I loved the mysteriousness of it all! Nice job.
DeleteIn the book The Blackthorn Key there are many codes and symbols that they use. On page 11, Christopher says, “When I have my own shop,’ I said proudly, ’I’m putting everything in code.” He says this because codes help keep recipes secret, so know one can take them. Another reason that they put recipes in code is the Archangels fire. If the fire had no code ever body could use it and it could end up in the wrong hands. Master Benedict used codes to help Christopher find the murders and the archangels fire. He had left a note that was written in code before he was murdered so that he could help Christopher.
ReplyDeleteHunter Arends
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes and symbols in his shop so that other apothecary's and people in general don't steal his recipes. He also has codes and symbols to help him remember things like secret doorways and tunnels. All throughout the book this has been very helpful, one example of these are on pg.58 when Christopher has to find out how to open the antimony cube. In the text it states, "'You get the rest... if you can open it' I shook the cube. Inside something rattled. 'What is it?'... 'I'll tell you this. The key is downstairs, somewhere in the shop. And that'-he pointed to the book the cube had been resting on-'will help you find it.'" There is also a huge part of the story which involves code. Ever since Master Benedicts death most of the story revolved around Christopher finding out what Master Benedicts code meant. Which eventually led him to Archangels Fire.
Tayler Felton-
ReplyDeleteIn the book, The Blackthorn Key, we find multiple codes for all types of different things. Christopher clams when he has his own shop, he will put everything in code. On page 11 the author states,” ‘Why is it always in code?’ ‘Because other Apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets. When I have my own shop’ I said proudly, ‘I’m putting everything in code. No one is going to swipe my recipes.’ “ Master Benedict uses codes constantly because other apothecaries will do anything to find his formulas. Codes and symbols are very important to the plot because if codes didn’t exist, somebody might’ve discovered the Archangels Fire before Christopher and Tom did. Then the Archangels Fire could have fallen into the wrong hands, and then everything would of went downhill from there. I think Master Benedict was very smart by putting many things in code and symbols, so people wouldn’t steal his formulas.
Jesse P.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes and symbols because he does not want anyone else to find the Archangel of power. He wants everyone to find the code in a secretive way. On pages 11-12 there are codes with letters and numbers. These codes are important because they make it so that Stubbs and the other bad guys can't find the Archangle of Power and cause danger. Another example is on page 66. These symbols are a secret way to see the planets. The reason for the planet symbols are because Master Benedict made a code inside of a code.
In The Blackthorn Key the author uses many codes and symbols. On page 11 it says, “'When I have my own shop,' I said proudly, 'I’m putting everything in code.'” Master Benedict used codes to, keep his recipes hidden from other apothecary's, to help Christopher find the murders, and to help him find the Archangels fire. An example of codes and symbols being important in the plot is, when Master Benedict leaves the Note for Christopher before he dies. Another example of odes and symbols being important in the plot is, codes kept the Archangels Fire hidden, if somebody found the Archangels Fire they could use it in a very bad way to do very bad things.
ReplyDeleteIn the book The Black Thorne Key the author decides to use a lot of codes and symbols. Master Benedict used codes to, keep his recipes hidden from other apothecary's to help Christopher find the murders, and to help him find the Archangels fire. All of the codes and symbols are an important part of the plot because it kept the Archangels Fire hidden it was hidden because if some were to find this magic/weapon they could use it in a very bad way.
ReplyDeleteTrinity H.-
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes for, as far as I'm aware, one reason. The codes will keep his work safe. Most apothecaries have their own way of writing codes, and they pass this information on to their apprentices. The codes help make sure that their work isn't easily stolen or copied. Christopher probably wants to put everything in code because he's been taught to do that by Master Benedict. By the fact that codes and symbols are everywhere, I'm sure that apothecaries have been doing this for a very long time.
Master Benedict and Christopher use code so no one but them no what the recipe or the message is. If it wasn’t in code it would be so much easier for competitors to find out secret recipes. Also, they put important messages in code. These messages are in code so the people trying to kill the Apothecaries don’t find out the message. One example where a code was important in the book was when Christopher had to get the key to Blackthorn. He found it behind a code in the wall and without that code he wouldn’t have been able to get into the house and retain the information he did. Another example is the note Master Benedict left for Christopher. If it had not been in code than the cult would have been able to find the recipe for the Archangel's fire.
ReplyDeleteIn the Blackthorn Key, page 11 Christopher say he want everything to be in code when he opens up his own shop. I think apothecaries put their recipes so they don't get stolen by other apothecaries. For example archangel's fire if it had no code on it it could be used by anyone. Codes are also used to keep recipes from people who would use them to do bad thing and to keep people safe. Other apothecaries will try to steal the code so they could improve their stores Business and will do anything like steal or kill to be the best store in the Business.
ReplyDeleteEllie S.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes to hide his recipes and secret messages. If Master Benedict hadn’t used code, anyone could have stolen his recipes. He also taught Christopher how to use code and read code. If he hadn’t done that, Christopher would have never found the Archangels Fire. Christopher also figured out the code to get the key to the door. I think codes in the book make it more interesting.
Joshua Youles
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses codes for protection. If someone broke into the shop and tried to steal a important recipe they couldn't figure it out because is in code. When Christoper stole the page out of his master's book it was in code. There was a reason for this. Master Benedict put the recipe in code so that only Christoper could read it. Then there was the time that Master Benedict gave Christopher the puzzle cube. The cube was a hint towards the door under the memorial. Christopher had to use Mercury to open the cube and door.
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ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses the codes to protect things important. So then if anyone had broken in or had stolen something then they couldn't figure it out. Master Benedict probably made up the codes so only him and the people he shares it with would know. If Master Benedict had not of done codes then evil people would be able to take things that could hurt innocent people. Also if Master Benedict didn't have codes than anything could be easily figured out. Master Benedict has codes for a reason just like Christopher.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict used codes to keep important things protected in his shop just like many other apothecaries did in their shops. Codes were helpful because if someone were to break into his shop, they would not be able to figure out what the code meant to take the important information. Master Benedict probably used codes to keep all of his recipes a secret others. If he were to not use codes, people could find the recipes and use them to hurt people. Master Benedict showed Christopher how to read and use code. If Benedict were to never show Christopher this, the whole plot would have been changed. With the codes, Christopher found the Archangel's Fire. Overall, codes played a main part in the plot of the book, The Blackthorn Key and help Master Benedict hide his recipes from the people who wanted them.
ReplyDeleteCodes are a very important part of “The Blackthorn Key”. In the book, Master Benedict leaves behind a code for Christopher to decypher explaining who killed him and why. If Christopher didn’t know how to read code, he would still have no idea who killed Master Benedict and why. Codes are also important because without them, some of Master Benedict’s secrets and recipes would be lost to other apothecaries in the city. In the book, it states, “‘Because other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets.”’ Without codes, the secret recipes of apothecaries could be lost. Codes are a very important part of the book, “The Blackthorn Key”.
ReplyDeleteOn page 11 it says, “‘...When I have my own shop,’ I said proudly, ‘I’m putting everything in code.’” He puts his recipes in code because as it says on page 11, “‘...other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets.’”Codes are very important in the plot because if there weren’t codes and, someone might’ve found the Archangels Fire before Christopher and Tom did. Symbols are important for the same reason.I think Master Benedict was very strategic when making these codes so that only the people who knew them would ever know the recipes. I think it was very wise of Master Benedict to do so.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict used code for everything to protect all his recipes from the other apothecaries since on page 11 it says, " other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets." Codes were definitely important in the plot of the book, The Blackthorn Key. Christopher had learned how to decipher codes from his master so when he was killed Christopher knew how to decipher the code Benedict left behind to help him find the murderers. Symbols were also very important for apothecaries and codes since they could direct to a place and its a shortcut for codes. Master Benedict was a very intelligent man who knew how to protect things special to his recipes.
ReplyDeleteMaster Benedict uses code to protect his recipes from other apothecaries. On page 11 Tom asks why everything is always in code. Christopher then responds by saying "other apothecaries will do anything to steal your secrets. Then says "When I have my own shop i'm putting everything in code". Master Benedict didn't want people to know his recipes including Christopher so he puts all his special things in to code.
ReplyDeleteCailan M
ReplyDeleteOne reason Master Benedict uses codes is for privacy. If all of his recipes are in code only him and his employees know, it’s very unlikely that any of his competitors could get their hands on his instructions. I also think Master Benedict uses codes simply because he likes to challenge his mind. He and Christopher both greatly enjoy solving puzzles and deciphering codes, so writing his recipes in code is a way to bring this into everyday life. Codes are used in many places throughout the book. Mainly in Master Benedict’s recipes and his instruction which lead Christopher to the Archangel’s Fire. On page 11 there is a series of number and symbols that Christopher explains is a code. On page 12, you can see the table Christopher created to solve the code.
Mr. Benedict put everything in codes because he dose not want the other apothecaries to know the position. It says in the text,
ReplyDelete"Mr. Benedict does not want anyone to read it." That is one reason why he puts it in code. Another reason could be because he thinks it is cool.