Transparency

Transparency is an important theme in Dave Eggers’ The Circle. Over the course of the novel, several people decide to become “transparent”, meaning that their whole lives are livestreamed over the internet via a camera hanging around their necks. The idea is to give viewers access to everything the person sees, hears, and experiences. Under huge pressure from The Circle and the brainwashed public, many politicians become “transparent”, completely changing how politics is conducted. 

Encouraged by Bailey, Mae also decides to go “transparent”, broadcasting every part of her life to the world. Although Mae loves being watched and feeling that people around the world care about her day-to-day life, she does not realize that becoming transparent is de...