Foucauldian Power in The Circle by Dave Eggers

Abstract

This paper intends to analyze the novel The Circle written by Dave Eggers, from Foucault’s perspective on power. In his book, The History of Sexuality Volume-1, Foucault (1991) tries to correlate knowledge and power, maintaining that knowledge is the medium through which power is attained. The paper highlights how the technically vibrant company gains power through digital knowledge, bringing about a revolution in a democratic society. This revolution affects the dominant pillar of democracy, which is the legislature. DBy bringing democracy indirectly under its control, the company modifies the power structure in society and digitally not only allures but also subordinates people around the globe. Thus, through Digitized knowledge The Circle acquires power over both the virtual and the real world. Keywords: Foucault, Democracy, Dominance, Power, Society.