The Circle

Abstract

The Circle follows Mae Holland, a graduate student who is given the opportunity to work for “The Circle”, a powerful technology company which specialises in developing state-of-the-art technology, including small portable cameras that eventually start being used by politicians and celebrities who wish to become “transparent”, providing an insight into their private life at all times. As she rises within the company’s ranks, Mae starts wearing one of these cameras constantly, as well as proclaiming the motto “secrets are lies, sharing is caring, privacy is theft”. The novel explores the consequences of scientific advancement in the development of devices that facilitate and promote constant surveillance and population control.