Circle of Friends | Themes

Circle of Friends Themes

Binchy juxtaposes the values of friendship, love, family, small town life, and education amidst the controversial concerns of premarital sex and abortion in a Catholic community. The friendship between Benny and Eve is a strong, loyal bond. The two are inseparable and would do anything to help the other. The friendship the two have with Nan is not the same. Nan looks out for herself before she considers anyone else's feelings. Nan betrays Benny when she seduces Jack and steals him away from Benny.

Benny is searching for love throughout the novel. Her parents suggest that she marry Sean Walsh, but she refuses the marriage because she does not love him. Benny falls in love with Jack, but he betrays her with his affair with Nan.

Jack's parents are in love, but his mother feels she must always portray perfection to keep her husband's interest.