Structure

The structure of Dave Eggers’ The Circle is largely chronological, following Mae’s perspective from the moment she starts working at The Circle until the moment when she becomes completely indoctrinated by its ideas. The novel does not contain any chapter divides, perhaps reflecting the relentlessness of Mae’s experiences working at The Circle. 

The novel is divided into three books. The first book shows Mae finding her feet at The Circle and getting to grips with the company’s requirements for being at the office almost permanently and posting everything on social media. 

When the second book begins, Mae has gone transparent, broadcasting every moment of her life to a huge number of viewers. This marks a new phase of Mae’s career and life, defined by the fact that strangers are constantly watching her. In the second book, Mae’s doubts about The Circle disappear even ...