Question

Theme 3: Extreme conditions bring out both the best and the worst in society.

Use the theme you just selected and write a paragraph in which you explain how Eggers uses sequence of events, conflicts, and the social and cultural context to develop that theme. Use specific details from the text to support your response.

Answer 1

In "The Circle" by Dave Eggers, the theme that extreme conditions bring out both the best and the worst in society is vividly illustrated through the sequence of events that unfold as the characters grapple with the consequences of a hyper-connected world. The story begins with Mae Holland's initial excitement at joining The Circle, a powerful tech company that symbolizes progress and innovation. However, as the narrative progresses, the conflicts between personal privacy and societal scrutiny intensify, culminating in the tragic events surrounding Mae's friend, Annie, who succumbs to the overbearing nature of the corporation's surveillance culture. The cultural context of an increasingly digitalized society highlights how people can be driven to both altruism and betrayal under pressure; while Mae’s enthusiasm for creating a transparent society seems noble, it ultimately leads to an erosion of trust and autonomy. Eggers masterfully depicts how extreme conditions, such as perpetual digital monitoring and the compulsion to conform, reveal the duality of human nature: the longing for connection and the potential for manipulation and control, thereby illustrating the complexities that arise when society is pushed to its limits.