3. What does the editor say is the second objection to the novel?
(a) That the author hates children.
(b) That the author hates women.
(c) That the author hates priests.
(d) That the author hates men.

4. What is the Law of Compensation?
(a) The tendency for women to be weak but intelligent, and for men to be strong but less intelligent.
(b) The tendency for stronger shapes to be more intelligent, and for weaker shapes to be less intelligent.
(c) The tendency for weaker shapes to be taller, and stronger shapes to be shorter.
(d) The tendency for stronger shapes to be less intelligent, and for weaker shapes to be more intelligent.

5. What does the editor say is his first reason for writing the preface?
(a) To introduce the novel
(b) To explain misconceptions
(c) To thank readers and critics in Spaceland
(d) To apologize for errors and misprints

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the third unrecognized dimension in Flatland?

2. What does Hoffman say about the first three dimensions?

3. The author notes these individuals have a similar experience in Spaceland that helps explain what things look like in Flatland.

4. Why are there no windows in houses of Flatland?

5. Why is this shape of house not allowed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on the end of the Preface, what is the author attempting to say about the ruling class of his time?

2. What does Hoffman mean when he calls the novel timeless in the Introduction?

3. What is the author's primary defense against the idea that A. Square hates women?

4. In Chapter 5, A. Square explains how the Law of Nature provides an alphabet of angles through the birth of irregular angles and shapes. Explain what is done with irregular specimens in Flatland. Be sure to include small angle shapes in your discussion.

5. Explain how sight recognition is used in upper classes, and why such a method cannot be used for the lower class.

6. What tools do inhabitants use to discern direction in Flatland?

7. What occurs in society as a result of the Color Revolt?

8. What happens to aristocratic children who fail exams, and as a result, what does the State feel should happen?

9. What is the author's primary defense against the idea that those in Flatland should recognize thickness, and infer a dimension?

10. What caused women to turn against the color bill?

(see the answer keys)

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