All Hail the Circle

Before I begin this post, I am going to ask you to think of a weed, similar to one you may find in a garden. At one point in time a weed is just a small, invisible seed in the ground. Within time, the weed grows from a seed, to a small plant. It eventually becomes invasive and tangles itself in other plants and objects, making it almost impossible to destroy.  Like a weed, the Circle started from humble beginnings. As time progresses, however, the Circle grows into an influential and powerful entity that entangles people in its mission to become an all-powerful organization.

As the size and capabilities of the Circle grows, so does the influence it wields on relationships. It's clear to see that Mae is totally engrossed by the Circle, and her life is focused on advancing in the company. The Circle has such a proud influence on Mae that she cannot focus on sustaining a relationship with anyone, even her parents. In fact, Mae's father tells her that living like a Circler is "actually very stressful" (Eggers 367). Mae's need to satisfy her followers binds her to the plight of her father who is suffering from MS. She responds coldly: "Stop. You sound terrible"(368). Mae gets to a point where she cares more about her job, than she does about human connections and feelings, even when regarding her own parents. This point illustrates how the Circle controls Mae's mind and puts a strain on her relationship with her parents. 

The Circle's invasive roots ensnare people who want nothing to do with the company. In the case of Mae's parents, their lives are "already pretty fraught" (368) and they do not have time for the Circle's antics. Still, Mae is so encapsulated by the Circle's way of life that she attempts to suck other people  into it as well. She initiates the installation of SeeChnage cameras in their household and expects her ailing father and weary mother to respond to messages from followers. You can see how Mae is used by the Circle to suck people into its way of life. 

With the influence of the Circle expanding to an ever greater audience, the company begins pondering totalitarian ideas. Having already established a monopoly on the technology industry, the only remaining course of action is to attempt to replace the United States government. Its only logical: first technology, then the United States, then the world! When discussing the capabilities of the Circle, Stetson boldly inquires, "...wouldn't it eliminate much of Washington?" (395).  The Circle's unbridled power and strong influence leads them to adopt totalitarian ideas. For example, if a dictator of a nation sees an opportunity to annex another nation, he will do so in order to increase his own power. In a similar manner, the influence that the Circle has developed creates an opportunity for even more power.

Left unchecked, a weed can grow throughout a garden and strangle all other plants. Its roots spread throughout the ground and more plants pop up. The Circle, like a weed, spreads its roots though its excessive use of technology. Unrestrained, the Circle weed could envelope an entire nation.