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Flatland
by Edwin A. Abbott |
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unprecedented science fiction story, Flatland, by Edwin A.
Abbott is both timelessly imaginative and conceptually challenging.
Flatland, the story of a square from a land of two dimensions
who is privileged to experience other dimensional realities, has the
power to spellbind its audience in a world where science and magic
are allowed to exist companionably. But, despite this power, the book
is not without error. Prejudices and perspectives of the narrator’s,
and perhaps of the author’s as well, are ever prevalent under
the weaving of the story and sometimes distract from the true message
of the book. The most glaring example of prejudiced perspectives in Flatland is the continual degradation and belittling of women and feminine intellect, which appears in numerous forms throughout the story. Perhaps the author hopes or intends to make some point about the presence of this perspective of women in three-dimensional society by reflecting it to an extreme degree in his corresponding two-dimensional world. Nevertheless, the slights on women detract from the wonder and science of the story by constantly irritating the modern reader and distancing him or her from the less trustworthy narrator upon whom the believability of the whole story depends. Flatland was penned by an unlikely progressive scientist; Abbott was a headmaster and an English teacher. And it was written at a time when many of the science theories we now take for granted were just being conceived: the late eighteen hundreds. Flatland seems a miracle. This is what one says before they notice another of the strong prejudices upheld in the book: domineering leaders who rule as dictators are the right ones to control the world of Flatland. The narrator of Flatland, A Square, attempts to defend this situation by calling to the reader’s attention how nature seems to favor these dictators as they are more intelligent and responsible than the mass of apparently violent, brainless irregulars. However, examples do slip into the story of how these irregulars are often controlled by imprisonment or death for the slightest acts of rebellion or leadership. In light of the fact that Flatland was intended to be considered on the scientific level, the book is definitely a promising addition to the collection of Cornerstone books. The slim book is the catalyst for endless attempts by humans to conceive that fourth dimension, which we can somehow always sense, but never quite reach as our minds are so steadfastly stuck in our three dimensional reality. However, the book raises certain social and cultural concerns, which cripple its potential to be an inspiring and well-accepted story. The book mirrors our three dimensional world in a land where women are severely undervalued and stereotyped and priest-like figures brainwash and control the masses of common people. Flatland, though scientifically inspiring, leaves something to be desired in its portrayal of a society with a selective group of dominating male leaders. ~ Nikki C. of Cumberland, ME |
Jocelyn Hubbell
jhubbell @ curtislibrary.com
(207) 725-5242 ext. 238
Cornerstones of Science
Last updated May 29, 2007