Chapter 7, Concerning Irregular Figures Summary

A. Square begins by discussing the assumption throughout previous sections that all shapes are regular, with equal sides, and straight lines. He notes that the entire existence of Flatland revolves around the regularity of shapes, in that without regularity, recognition would be impossible, and danger would be present at all times. Rather than being able to feel a single angle for recognition, or use a single angle for sight recognition, one would have to feel or view all angles and, according to A. Square, civilization would become barbaric. He uses the example of using sight recognition when meeting three tradesmen, and inviting them into one's home. If one of the men was irregular, he would not actually fit in the home, and would become stuck.

In Flatland, A. Square notes, irregularity is not only immoral but criminal...