Genre
Science Fiction
Setting and Context
California, Modern Day
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person limited, following the protagonist Mae
Tone and Mood
The Circle is at once fantastical and darkly cynical. Eggers uses the two contrasting tones to create tension between Mae's intoxication with the Circle and the stressful and tragic events that surround the company's dangerous escalation of power.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Mae
Major Conflict
As the Circle proceeds toward Completion, some characters (Mercer, Kalden, and even Annie) attempt to warn Mae of the potential for the destruction of all humanity, while others (Eamon Bailey and her viewers) pull her further into the fold. Mae must decide what level of access to information is best for society and herself.
Climax
Mae's pursuit of Mercer during a Dream Friday presentation using the new technology SoulSearch drives him to suicide.
Foreshadowing
Mercer voices his forebodings about the dominance of and invasion of privacy caused by the Circle throughout the novel, and these very things end up causing his suicide as well as Annie's breakdown, Kalden/Ty's removal from office, and Mae's distancing from her family.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
There are many allusions to Christianity in the novel, such as Kalden kissing Mae in the shape of a cross and calling the Circle's executives the Wise Men.
Imagery
Eggers creates a rich picture of the Circle's campus through detailed exposition of its lush locations and varied characters.
Paradox
More communication and transparency can hinder people's true understanding and connection.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
