The Circle Game

A circle is a timeless symbol connecting the beginning with the ending, suggesting infinity and eternity, as in the circle of life, and repetitive motion. While this concept per se is neutral, Atwood’s use of the symbolism explores more negative realities. The poem employs circular imagery immediately, opening with the children linking arms with “each arm going into / the next arm, around / full circle” (Lines 4-6). In the last section of the poem, there is “[s]ummer again” (Line 236), and the children join “arm in arm” once again (Line 261), suggesting the repetitive seasonal cycle of games is almost automatic. In the last line of the poem, the speaker says, “I want the circle / broken” (Lines 294-295), showing that the circle—ironically, despite its geometric and conceptual perfection—is not an ideal. Just as the poem could go on and on with sections discussing the various games of both children and adults, so, too, can generations go on and on, season after season, playing the same games without questioning or enjoyment.