Great Circle

Marian’s early years take place in a world where airplanes are cutting edge technology. She is born at the turn of the 20th century; her life can be charted alongside the development of the very first airplanes into a functioning and necessary technology, to the point where her adult life takes place in a world where aviation is commonplace. In this sense, airplanes symbolize rapid modernity in the novel. The planes illustrate the way in which society can change rapidly and then how these changes are inoculated by familiarity. The wonder and spectacle of the first airplanes gives way to a need to break records and chart new courses to keep alive the energy and excitement of flying. Planes show that, like Marian’s distant horizon, the expectations of technology and society are always shifting further and further into the distance.

Planes are also a personal symbol for Marian. To her, they represent a freedom and escapism that cannot be found on solid ground. Growing up in an isolated house in an isolated part of the world, having lost her parents and with only a few people she can depend on, Marian places no limits on her ambitions. She yearns to be free and independent, but only when she sees a plane for the first time does she understand these feelings.