Aviator's Awakening on Mountaintop

Marian Graves, a spirited young girl, is captivated by a biplane soaring over Mount Jumbo, igniting her passion for aviation. Raised by her uncle Wallace in Missoula, Montana, after her parents' disappearance, Marian is a wanderer at heart, yearning for the freedom of the skies. Her twin brother, Jamie, is her constant companion, though more grounded and sensitive. Determined to learn to fly despite societal expectations and financial constraints, Marian's encounter with the plane sets her on a path that diverges from the ordinary life expected of her.

Barnstormers and New Horizons

Marian's passion for aviation intensifies when she meets Felix and Trixie Brayfogle, barnstormers passing through Missoula. Their daring aerobatics captivate her, solidifying her resolve to become a pilot. Despite challenges as a young girl in a male-dominated field, Marian seeks unconventional ways to fund her flying lessons, including working for a local bootlegger. Her uncle Wallace, supportive yet unable to provide the means, watches as Marian's determination grows, setting her on a path toward her dreams.

Secrets and Shadows in Missoula

Marian becomes entangled with Barclay Macqueen, a charismatic figure with ties to the bootlegging underworld. Barclay offers to fund her flying lessons, but his motives are unclear, leaving Marian torn between her desire to fly and the implications of accepting his help. Meanwhile, her brother Jamie struggles with his own demons, haunted by the cruelty he sees in the world. The twins' bond is tested as they navigate the complexities of their lives, each seeking their own form of escape.

A Flight to Freedom

Determined to prove herself, Marian embarks on a solo flight to Vancouver, defying expectations. This journey is both a literal and metaphorical escape, as she seeks the freedom and adventure she craves. Despite challenges, including a harrowing encounter with the vastness of the mountains and ocean, Marian returns to Missoula with a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey marks a turning point, as she grapples with the realities of her ambitions and the sacrifices they entail.

The Proposal and the Loop

Upon her return, Marian faces the consequences of her actions. Barclay reveals his desire to marry her, complicating their relationship. Marian is conflicted, drawn to Barclay yet wary of the power dynamics at play. Meanwhile, her flying skills continue to improve, and she masters aerobatic maneuvers, finding solace and empowerment in the sky. The tension between her personal life and her passion for flying intensifies, as she must decide what she truly wants.

A Reckoning with the Sky

Marian's world is shaken by the death of her mentor, Trout, in a flying accident. This loss forces her to confront the dangers of her chosen path and the fragility of life. Despite her grief, Marian is determined to continue flying, driven by a need to honor Trout's legacy and fulfill her own dreams. She pushes herself to new heights, both literally and figuratively, as she hones her skills and prepares for the challenges ahead.

A New Path Unfolds

As Marian approaches her seventeenth birthday, she stands at a crossroads. Her flying abilities have reached new levels, and she is ready to take on more responsibility. However, the question of her future with Barclay looms large. Marian must decide whether to accept his proposal and the life it represents or to forge her own path, guided by her love of flying and her desire for freedom. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience.

A New Life in Alaska

After leaving her tumultuous life with Barclay, Marian reinvents herself in the vast wilderness of Alaska as a bush pilot. The isolation and challenges of the Alaskan landscape offer her a sense of belonging and purpose. She thrives in the harsh conditions, mastering the art of flying in extreme weather. Alaska becomes her sanctuary, a place where she can be truly herself, free from the shadows of her previous life.

Jamie's Artistic Journey Unfolds

Jamie Graves, Marian's twin brother, embarks on his own journey of self-discovery through art. Retreating to the mountains, he immerses himself in painting, capturing the vastness and complexity of the natural world. Despite his success, he grapples with feelings of isolation and the lingering impact of his past. Through his paintings, Jamie seeks to convey the infinite space and beauty of the world, reflecting his own quest for understanding and belonging.

Marian's Escape and Transformation

Trapped in a stifling marriage, Marian finds the courage to escape, reclaiming her independence. Her escape is both literal and metaphorical, as she sheds the constraints of her past and embraces a new identity. In Alaska, she becomes a skilled and respected pilot, navigating the challenges of the wilderness with determination. Her transformation is marked by a newfound sense of freedom and self-discovery.

War and New Opportunities

As World War II looms, Marian's skills as a pilot become increasingly valuable. Recruited to join the Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain, she fulfills her dream of piloting powerful aircraft. The war becomes a catalyst for further growth and transformation, as Marian continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, finding ways to contribute to the war effort while maintaining her independence.

Reunions and Revelations

After years apart, Jamie and Marian reunite, each having undergone significant personal growth. Their reunion is a moment of reflection and reconciliation, as they share their experiences and the paths they have taken. They confront the ghosts of their past, including the impact of their parents' disappearance and the shadow of Barclay. Through their conversations, they find a renewed sense of connection and understanding.

The Weight of the Past

Both Jamie and Marian grapple with the weight of their past, as they navigate the complexities of their identities and relationships. The legacy of their parents, the influence of Barclay, and the choices they have made all shape their present and future. Through introspection and dialogue, they begin to understand the ways in which their history has shaped them, and how they can move forward.

A New Beginning in New York

Marian arrives in New York City, meeting Matilda Feiffer, who offers to fund her ambitious flight around the world over the poles. Matilda, burdened by her late husband's guilt over the Josephina disaster, sees this as a way to atone. Marian, driven by an unexplainable urge, accepts the challenge, despite the dangers. As they plan, Marian reflects on her past, the losses she's endured, and the freedom she seeks in the skies.

The Flight's True Purpose

Marian and her navigator, Eddie, embark on their flight, leaving New Zealand and heading towards the poles. The journey is fraught with challenges, from harsh weather to mechanical issues. As they traverse the globe, Marian grapples with her motivations, questioning whether the flight is a quest for freedom or an escape from her past. Eddie, haunted by his own demons, finds solace in the vastness of the sky.

Isolation and Revelation in Antarctica

After a harrowing flight over the South Pole, Marian and Eddie find themselves stranded in Antarctica due to a blizzard. The isolation forces them to confront their fears and regrets. Eddie reveals his desire to remain in the desolate landscape, seeking peace away from the world's chaos. Marian, torn between her loyalty to Eddie and her own survival, decides to continue the journey alone.

A Secret Life in New Zealand

After surviving the flight, Marian chooses to disappear, starting a new life in New Zealand under the alias Martin Wallace. She becomes a shepherd, embracing a solitary existence far removed from her past. The decision to live in obscurity is driven by guilt over Eddie's fate and a desire to escape the notoriety of her flight. Over time, she finds contentment in the simplicity of her new life.

The Final Journey Home

As Marian ages, she reflects on her life's journey, the choices she made, and the people she left behind. Her story, thought lost, is discovered in Antarctica, sparking renewed interest in her life. Despite the world's fascination, Marian remains hidden, content with her anonymity. Her final wish is to have her ashes scattered over the Southern Ocean, symbolizing her eternal connection to the skies she once flew.

Characters

Marian Graves

Marian is a fiercely independent and adventurous woman, driven by a deep-seated desire to fly. Her journey is marked by resilience and self-discovery, as she navigates societal norms, personal relationships, and the challenges of aviation. Her complex relationship with Barclay Macqueen and her eventual escape to Alaska highlight her quest for freedom and identity. Marian's story is one of empowerment, as she reclaims her life on her own terms.

Jamie Graves

Jamie is Marian's twin brother, a gentle and introspective soul who struggles with the cruelty he perceives in the world. His journey through art becomes a means of exploring his identity and the world around him. Despite his success, Jamie grapples with feelings of isolation and the impact of his past. His relationship with Marian is a source of strength and connection, as they navigate the challenges of their shared history.

Wallace Graves

Wallace is Marian and Jamie's uncle, a painter with a penchant for gambling and a complicated relationship with responsibility. He takes in the twins after their parents' disappearance, providing a home but struggling with his own demons. Wallace's support for Marian's ambitions is tempered by his inability to fully provide for her dreams, and his actions often complicate the twins' lives.

Barclay Macqueen

Barclay is a wealthy and enigmatic figure with ties to the bootlegging underworld. His relationship with Marian is marked by power dynamics and unspoken desires, serving as a central plot device that complicates Marian's pursuit of aviation. Barclay's financial support for Marian's flying lessons comes with implicit expectations, creating tension and uncertainty in their interactions.

Trout Marx

Trout is Marian's flying instructor, a seasoned pilot with a rough exterior and a deep love of aviation. He recognizes Marian's potential and becomes a guiding force in her journey to become a pilot. Trout's untimely death is a turning point for Marian, forcing her to confront the dangers of flying and the fragility of life.

Caleb Bitterroot

Caleb is a close friend of Marian and Jamie, known for his daring and independent nature. His relationship with Marian is complex, marked by moments of intimacy and tension. Caleb represents a different path and set of values, offering Marian a sense of grounding and support. His presence in Marian's life is both challenging and comforting.

Eddie Bloom

Eddie is Marian's navigator and a man burdened by his experiences during the war. His relationship with Marian is complicated by the memory of his wife, Ruth, and his own internal struggles. Ultimately, Eddie chooses to remain in Antarctica, seeking solace in the isolation and beauty of the frozen landscape.

Matilda Feiffer

Matilda is a formidable woman who offers to fund Marian's flight as a way to atone for her late husband's role in the Josephina disaster. Her relationship with Marian is one of mutual respect and collaboration, as they work together to achieve a seemingly impossible goal.

Trixie Brayfogle

Trixie is one half of the Flying Brayfogles, a barnstorming duo that inspires Marian's love of aviation. Her boldness and skill in the air captivate Marian, and she serves as an early role model for the young aviator. Trixie's presence in Marian's life is brief but impactful.

Felix Brayfogle

Felix is Trixie's partner in the Flying Brayfogles, a charismatic and skilled pilot who introduces Marian to the world of barnstorming. His easygoing nature and love of flying leave a lasting impression on Marian, fueling her desire to become a pilot.

Plot Devices

Aviation as Freedom and Escape

Throughout the narrative, aviation serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and escape for Marian. Her desire to fly is intertwined with her longing to break free from societal constraints and explore the world beyond Missoula. The act of flying represents both a literal and metaphorical journey, as Marian navigates the challenges of becoming a pilot and the complexities of her personal life.

The Mentor-Student Relationship

The relationship between Marian and her flying instructor, Trout, is a key plot device that influences her growth as a pilot. Trout's mentorship provides Marian with the skills and confidence she needs to pursue her dreams, while also highlighting the risks and responsibilities of flying. His untimely death serves as a turning point for Marian, forcing her to confront the dangers of her chosen path.

The Power Dynamics of Patronage

The relationship between Marian and Barclay Macqueen is marked by power dynamics and unspoken desires, serving as a central plot device that complicates Marian's pursuit of aviation. Barclay's financial support for Marian's flying lessons comes with implicit expectations and obligations, creating tension and uncertainty in their interactions.

The Twin Bond

The bond between Marian and her twin brother, Jamie, is a significant plot device that influences their individual journeys and character development. Their relationship is characterized by a deep understanding and shared history, yet their paths diverge as they grow older. Jamie's sensitivity and compassion provide a counterbalance to Marian's adventurous spirit.

Isolation and Reflection

The time Marian and Eddie spend stranded in Antarctica is a pivotal moment in the narrative, providing a space for introspection and revelation. The harsh, desolate landscape mirrors their internal struggles, forcing them to confront their fears and regrets. This isolation serves as a catalyst for Marian's decision to continue the journey alone.

The Power of Anonymity

Marian's decision to live under an alias in New Zealand highlights the theme of anonymity and the desire to escape one's past. By choosing to disappear, Marian seeks to free herself from the burdens of her previous life and the expectations of others. This plot device underscores her need for peace and the freedom to define her own identity.

Analysis

"Great Circle" by Maggie Shipstead is a profound exploration of freedom, identity, and the human spirit's resilience. Through Marian Graves' journey, the novel delves into the complexities of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams against societal constraints. Aviation serves as a powerful metaphor for liberation, allowing Marian to transcend the limitations of her past and societal expectations. The narrative also examines the impact of history and relationships on personal growth, highlighting the importance of confronting one's past to forge a new path. Shipstead's storytelling weaves together themes of adventure, love, and redemption, offering readers a compelling tale of empowerment and the enduring quest for meaning.

Last updated: January 15, 2025