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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A bit slow at first but after getting comfortable with the tone I really got into it!
As many have already pointed out, it's pretty incredible to consider this was written in the 1880s, before the theory of relativity etc. Abbott is able to make us imagine the possibility of a 4th dimension and beyond from the perspective of a 2 dimensional being who gains enlightenment about both the existence of one dimensional beings and then 3 dimensional beings. Additionally he uses the world (Flatland) of 2 dimensional beings to examine societal hierarchies. Reading it definitely felt like a satire, a mirror meant to reflect how absurd some of our own arbitrary socio rankings can be, but I wish I could gain more insight into the mind of the author. The plot is simple but functions to make us imagine much more complex ideas. It also touches on knowledge as both a blessing and a burden. I will never tire of thinking about dimensions, it just tickles my brain!
As many have already pointed out, it's pretty incredible to consider this was written in the 1880s, before the theory of relativity etc. Abbott is able to make us imagine the possibility of a 4th dimension and beyond from the perspective of a 2 dimensional being who gains enlightenment about both the existence of one dimensional beings and then 3 dimensional beings. Additionally he uses the world (Flatland) of 2 dimensional beings to examine societal hierarchies. Reading it definitely felt like a satire, a mirror meant to reflect how absurd some of our own arbitrary socio rankings can be, but I wish I could gain more insight into the mind of the author. The plot is simple but functions to make us imagine much more complex ideas. It also touches on knowledge as both a blessing and a burden. I will never tire of thinking about dimensions, it just tickles my brain!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I picked up this book because I thought the premise was interesting - a pseudo-anthropological "study" of a two-dimensional world. I've heard of this book on various science and math websites.
While there are lots of creative ideas in this book about living in 2D, I found the classism and sexism inherent in the story highly distracting. For example, soldiers (low class individuals) in Flatland are described as "creatures almost on a level with women in their lack of intelligence," and after some thought, the author advises that Flatland infants born with defects that are not able to be corrected be destroyed. The book was written in 1884; the date may explain passages like these, but it doesn't make them enjoyable.
Ultimately, the distracting comments sapped my enjoyment of the book. However, there are a few ideas and descriptions about how a 2D person would eat or shelter that are worth salvaging. These could be read in a Wikipedia or other article, however, rather than having to read this book.
While there are lots of creative ideas in this book about living in 2D, I found the classism and sexism inherent in the story highly distracting. For example, soldiers (low class individuals) in Flatland are described as "creatures almost on a level with women in their lack of intelligence," and after some thought, the author advises that Flatland infants born with defects that are not able to be corrected be destroyed. The book was written in 1884; the date may explain passages like these, but it doesn't make them enjoyable.
Ultimately, the distracting comments sapped my enjoyment of the book. However, there are a few ideas and descriptions about how a 2D person would eat or shelter that are worth salvaging. These could be read in a Wikipedia or other article, however, rather than having to read this book.
challenging
informative
reflective
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Mind bending and strange. It is fundamentally a thought experiment, and I imagine would be a fun topic to discuss in an English class. I would recommend it only to those who have both a dry sense of humor and think discussing complex topics is a leisure activity.
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
I encountered this book in 10th grade geometry. What a fun mix--geometry and philosophy! It doesn't get much better then that. :o)
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
I found this surprisingly gripping.
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated