Dedication
The humble native of Flatland who dedicates the work, having been initiated into the mysteries of three dimensions.
Preface to the Second and Revised Edition, 1884
The Square, now aged and imprisoned, defends his work through the Editor, admitting his own changed views on women and the Isosceles.
Flatland
The narrator and protagonist, a Square who describes the nature and customs of Flatland.
Part I: This World
The narrator introduces himself and his world, explaining the geometry and social order of Flatland.
I: Of the Nature of Flatland
The narrator introduces Flatland and reflects on his past ignorance and current enlightenment after visiting Spaceland.
Of the Climate and Houses in Flatland
Describes the climate, houses, and his solitary knowledge of the true nature of light.
III: Concerning the Inhabitants of Flatland
The narrator describes his own class as a Square and explains the entire social hierarchy of Flatland.
Concerning the Women
Provides a detailed account of the dangers posed by women, the legal code governing them, and the social customs that ensure male safety.
V: Of Our Methods of Recognizing One Another
The narrator describes the methods of recognition and recounts a family story about an Isosceles ancestor.
VI: Of Recognition by Sight
The narrator explains the principles of Sight Recognition, using examples involving his father and grandsons, and reflects on his own experiences as a mathematician and grandfather.
VII: Concerning Irregular Figures
The Square presents his views on Irregularity, defending the penal laws while advocating a via media.
Of the Ancient Practice of Painting
The narrator describes the historical practice of painting and its aesthetic impact on Flatland.
IX: Of the Universal Colour Bill
The narrator describes the dangers and political machinations behind the Universal Colour Bill, reflecting on its impact on society.
X: Of the Suppression of the Chromatic Sedition
The narrator recounts the suppression of the Chromatic Sedition, noting he has not been privileged to attend the esoteric classes where colour is still used.
Concerning Our Priests
The narrator reflects on the nature of Flatland's Priests and the social dynamics of Circular propagation, setting the stage for his central story.
XII: Of the Doctrine of Our Priests
The Square recounts and critiques the doctrine of the Circles, reflecting on its practical drawbacks and his own experiences with his grandson.
Part II: Other Worlds
The protagonist who encounters the Sphere and is taken on a journey to other dimensions.
XIII: How I Had a Vision of Lineland
Dreams of Lineland and interacts with its King, attempting to understand the one-dimensional world.
XIV: How I Vainly Tried to Explain the Nature of Flatland
Attempts to explain Flatland to the Monarch of Lineland, demonstrating his ability to see beyond the line by moving out of Lineland and describing the King's subjects.
XV: Concerning a Stranger from Spaceland
Sits with his wife on the last night of the millennium, musing on his grandson's question about 3³; dismisses the boy's idea, then is confronted by the Stranger.
How the Stranger Vainly Endeavoured to Reveal to Me in Words the Mysteries of Spaceland
The Square struggles to understand the Sphere's explanations and becomes increasingly frustrated, eventually attacking the Stranger.
How the Sphere, Having in Vain Tried Words, Resorted to Deeds
The Square stubbornly refuses the Sphere's teachings, attacks him physically, and is ultimately lifted into Spaceland against his will.
How I Came to Spaceland, and What I Saw There
The Square is taken to Spaceland, experiences three-dimensional sight, and witnesses the Council's suppression of the truth.
XIX: How, Though the Sphere Showed Me Other Mysteries of Spaceland, I Still Desired More; and What Came of It
The Square, now able to perceive solids, becomes obsessed with the idea of a Fourth Dimension and argues with the Sphere, leading to his forcible return to Flatland.
How the Sphere Encouraged Me in a Vision
The Square dreams of the Sphere, visits Pointland, and is encouraged to aspire and teach.
XXI: How I Tried to Teach the Theory of Three Dimensions to My Grandson, and with What Success
The Square awakens rejoicing and plans to evangelize Flatland, but after hearing the Council's proclamation, he decides to teach his grandson instead. He fails to convincingly demonstrate the Third Dimension.
XXII: How I Then Tried to Diffuse the Theory of Three Dimensions by Other Means, and of the Result
Writes a treatise on Three Dimensions, gives a public speech revealing his journey, is arrested, tried, and sentenced to perpetual imprisonment. Reflects on his despair and hope.
Endnotes
Provides commentary and clarification on the author's behalf.
List of Illustrations
The narrator's viewpoint is referenced in the diagram 'My view of Lineland'.
