Add Quote by Edwin A. Abbott
“If our highly pointed triangles of the soldier class are formidable, it may be readily inferred that far more formidable are our women. For if a soldier is a wedge, a women is a needle; being, so to speak, all point, at least at the two extremities. Add to this the power of making herself practically invisible at will, and you will perceive that a female, in Flatland, is a creature by no means to be trifled with.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott, 1884
In Flatland, women are portrayed as sharp, hidden, and dangerous, contrasting with the blunt, overt soldier class.
In simple terms: Women are subtle yet powerful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize unseen strengths.
Themes
gender
power
visibility
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
literature
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gender studies
- literary analysis
- social critique
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this metaphor reflect real gender dynamics?
- What are the hidden powers in society?
A Different Perspective
Modern view may see this as sexist.
![“And the differences thence arising [between the constitution of men and women] are no ways sufficient to argue more natural strength in the one than in the other, to qualify them more for military labours. Are not the Women of different degrees of strength, like the Men? Are there not strong and…” quote by Lady Sophia Fermor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bf/lady-sophia-fermor-20567_18th-century_and-the-differences-thence-arising-betwe_38711.jpg)
