# Part I: This World explained — Flatland

> Chapter companion for Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott.

## What happens

The narrator, a Square, introduces the world of Flatland, a two-dimensional plane inhabited by geometric shapes. He describes the social hierarchy based on the number of sides, with Circles at the top and Isosceles Triangles at the bottom, and explains the laws of nature and perception in this world.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Hierarchy and Class

The entire chapter is a detailed exposition of Flatland's rigid class system based on geometric shape, mirroring Victorian society.

### Perception and Reality

The narrator explains how Flatlanders perceive each other through sight and touch, highlighting the limits of their two-dimensional senses.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator (A Square)

The narrator introduces himself and his world, explaining the geometry and social order of Flatland.

### The Circles

Mentioned as the highest class in Flatland's social hierarchy, representing priests and rulers.

### The Isosceles

Described as the lowest class, with limited rights and used as soldiers or laborers.

## Key lines

> Be patient, for the world is broad and wide.

The narrator urges patience, suggesting that the universe is vast and full of unknown wonders.

_Opening epigraph sets the tone for exploration and discovery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se/chapters/part-i-this-world
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flatland_se/chapters