The Story of Flatland: an Adventure in Many Dimensions
The Story of Flatland: An Adventure in Many Dimensions By Suzanne Fox Buchele Adapted from the original story by Edwin A. Abbott Third Draft, May 8, 2009, minor revisions through August 10, 2010 ©2006 by Suzanne Fox Buchele Preface The classic story Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott was first published in 1884. Both the original and this version of the story are written for a general audience, and tell the story of a two-dimensional figure who discovers three-dimensions and contemplates other dimensions as well. The story introduces and reinforces mathematical and especially geometric concepts, and also engages in social commentary, as part of a fantastical story. Abbott was a clergyman and educator whose passion was mathematics; I am a computer scientist, mathematician, and educator with an interest in spirituality. Abbott’s delightful story contains sociological and philosophical elements, particularly in his descriptions of Flatland society. Written when it was, in late 19th century England, the Flatland society Abbott describes is a strict caste system, with women at the bottom. In particular, the original book is quite derogatory in its descriptions of women in Flatland society, who are lines as opposed to closed figures, are hysterical, unable to reason, have to make a "peace-cry" when they are out in public, and more. While the social elements of Abbott’s version were apparently intended as a sharp critique of the place of women in Victorian England society, the depreciatory elements concerning women can be difficult to intellectualize as satire, especially for a younger audience or one not familiar with Abbott’s goals.
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