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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does the author compare Flatland?

2. What shapes are included in the Priestly order?

3. What does the editor say is his third reason for writing the preface?

4. What does the editor note that A. Square wishes the readers of Flatland would understand?

5. What does A. Square blame for the inhabitants' inability to discern North in the normal way?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain why Hoffman believes Abbott was afraid the writing of the book may tarnish his other writings.

3. How does A. Square explain the lack of ability to discern changes in retraction or projection in Chapter 1?

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

5. Summarize A. Square's example of how to imagine how inhabitants of Flatland see one another.

6. Explain the shape of workmen and soldiers, women, the middle class, the professionals, and noblemen, or priests.

7. What happened when the Circles regained power following defeat of the color bill? Please be specific.

8. What is Hoffman's belief about the relatability of the characters in the novel?

9. What were the events surrounding the spread of desire to color Flatland, and how long did almost complete colorization take?

10. Explain why square and triangular homes are not allowed. In addition, explain why government buildings are allowed to be triangular.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the idea of individuals using drastic measures to overcome their position in life is presented. Give at least two examples of this in the novel, and discuss in depth the process these individuals endure. Do you think such drastic measures are used in today's society? Do you believe such measures are justified?

Essay Topic 2

Fear is a vital theme throughout Flatland, as it is used for a variety of purposes. Choose one of the following situations, and explain how fear is used to control the population. Do you believe this power was abused, or used for a just cause? Do you think fear is still used to control populations? Is this a just method of control? Why or why not?

1. The final meeting of the community to pass or deny the Universal Color Bill

2. The proclamation by the Circles at the end of the novel, in terms of those discussing a third dimension

3. The threat of death for irregular shapes

Essay Topic 3

In Flatland, only the upper class have rights to certain privileges. Discuss at least two examples of such privileges. Do you think the upper class in modern society has more privileges than the lower classes? Why?

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