How we cite our quotes: (Book.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Mae continued on, away from shore. She set a goal to make it to a red buoy she spotted, near the bend of a peninsula, deep in the bay. Getting to it would take thirty minutes or so, and en route, she would pass a few dozen anchored barges and sailboats. Many had been made into homes of one kind or another, and she knew not to look into the windows, but she couldn't help it; there were mysteries aboard. (1.10.14)
Mae Holland isn't the only one who justifies her actions by claiming that she "couldn't help" giving in to her curiosity and desire for knowledge. Her mentor, Eamon Bailey, uses the same excuse when he admits to planting hidden cameras throughout his mother's home.
Quote #5
She thought about moving, but saw no point. There seemed to be no reason to go anywhere. Being here, in the middle of the bay, nothing to do or see, was plenty. She stayed there, drifting slowly, for the better part of an hour. Occasionally she would smell that dog-and-tuna smell again, and turn to find another curious seal, and they would watch each other, and she would wonder if the seal knew, as she did, how good this was, how lucky they were to have this all to themselves. (1.10.19)
There are a handful of crucial moments throughout The Circle when Mae Holland is reminded that enjoying something privately can be a rare and wonderful experience. Circlers like Eamon Bailey and Josiah and Denise would call these feelings selfish, but what does The Circle itself suggest?
Quote #6
"That's very understandable. To spend time with your parents, believe me, I think that is very, very cool. I just want to emphasize the community aspect of this job. We see this workplace as a community, and every person who works here is part of that community. And to make it all work it requires a certain level of participation. It's like, if we were a kindergarten class, and one girl has a party, and only half the class shows up, how does the birthday girl feel?" (1.28.34)
As Mae Holland settles in to her new life at the Circle, she soon finds that her fellow Circlers are greedy for her attention and time. Whenever someone feels as though Mae isn't doing enough to participate and be community-minded, she gets a passive-aggressive talking to.