# Endnotes explained — Flatland

> Chapter companion for Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott.

## What happens

The author provides clarifications and additional context on points raised in the main text, including the necessity of certificates for marriage among Triangles, the social implications of Irregularity, and the separate entrances for lower classes in Spaceland, as well as a note on the meaning of 'sitting' in Flatland.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Hierarchy and Class

The endnotes discuss marriage restrictions for uncertified Triangles and separate entrances for lower classes, highlighting rigid social stratification.

### Conformity and Deviance

Irregularity in Triangles is described as leading to generational consequences, emphasizing the pressure to conform to geometric norms.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator (A Square)

Provides commentary and clarification on the author's behalf.

### The Sphere

Referenced in the dialogue that was expanded to address critics.

### The Isosceles

Discussed in the context of marriage and certification for Triangles.

### Many of the Highest Circles

Mentioned in the note about separate entrances for lower classes.

## Key lines

> What need of a certificate? a Spaceland critic may ask: Is not the procreation of a Square son a certificate from Nature herself, proving the Equal-sidedness of the father?

A critic from Spaceland might question why a certificate is needed, since fathering a Square son should naturally prove the father is equilateral.

_The author defends the necessity of formal certification in Flatland's society._

> When I was in Spaceland I understood that some of your priestly circles have in the same way a separate entrance for villagers, farmers and teachers of Board Schools (Spectator, Sept. 1884, p. 1255) that they may approach in a becoming and respectful manner.

While visiting Spaceland, I learned that some of your priestly circles also have separate entrances for commoners, ensuring they approach with proper respect.

_Draws a parallel between Flatland's class distinctions and those in Victorian England._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se/chapters