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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. What can men do when women are in their apartments?

2. What does the "pull" in Flatland represent in Spaceland?

3. Why is hearing only used on occasion as a recognition method?

4. What group showed the most amazing display of color?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hoffman believe the development of the fourth dimension does not lessen the lessons of the book?

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

3. Explain the overall shape of a woman in Flatland, and why such a shape is detrimental?

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

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

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

7. What is the law of nature that helps protect the upper class? Which law of nature do Circles use to help stifle agitation?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 7, A. Square explains what happens to individuals who are shaped irregularly. Discuss the consequences of irregularity in Flatland. Does our society have similar punishments for those who deviate from the norm? Explain your answer by discussing a particular group of individuals who deviate from the norm, and how they are treated by society. Do you believe such treatment is just, or wrong? Why?

Essay Topic 2

In the Preface, the author defends his positions that height is immeasurable in Flatland, that his writing of women is just, and that his position on the upper class of Victorian society is valid. Choose one of these positions, and either support or argue against Abbott's positions. Be sure to include both Abbott's original position on the subject, as well as your own analysis of Abbott's position.

Essay Topic 3

Class clearly plays an important role in the novel, both in terms of the storyline and in terms of Abbott's use of symbolism to represent Victorian society. Discuss, in detail, Abbott's overall point about the class structure of society, and it's impact on each of the following:

1. Education

2. The legal system

3. Marriage

4. War

(see the answer keys)

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