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Flatland, Section 17 summary

Section 17 of 22 · Part 2: Other Worlds “O brave new worlds, that have such people in them!” · 4 min to read the section

In Section 17, the Sphere removes a book from a locked cupboard and touches the narrator internally to demonstrate the existence of three dimensions, but the narrator treats these acts as hostile tricks. When the narrator attacks again and calls for help, the Sphere declares that he is taking him out of his Plane.

What happens

  1. The narrator attacks the Sphere, who slips out of sight but continues speaking.
  2. The Sphere retrieves an account book from a locked cupboard, and the narrator confirms that it is missing.
  3. The Sphere describes seeing inside nearby buildings and gives the narrator a painful internal touch.
  4. Determined to restrain the supposed magician, the narrator attacks again and alarms his household.
  5. Hearing the Wife approach, the Sphere demands secrecy and threatens to take the narrator into three dimensions.
  6. The narrator refuses to release him, and the Sphere announces his removal from the Plane.

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In this section

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How does the Sphere demonstrate access to the locked cupboard?

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“Flatland, Section 17 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/flatland-section-17-summary.

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