The term “flat” in literature assumes a remarkably flexible role, functioning both as a literal descriptor and a metaphor for emotional or aesthetic barrenness. It appears when physical forms are pressed, smooth, or level—whether describing bodies crushed by horses ([1]), tablelands and coastlines that stretch without interruption ([2], [3], [4]), or surfaces rendered even and featureless, such as in furniture or geological features ([5], [6], [7]). At the same time, “flat” is employed to capture the sameness or lack of vitality in human expression or urban life, as seen in unenthusiastic conversations and stagnant social settings ([8], [9], [10]). Moreover, the word can denote dwelling places in urban settings, lending a distinct cultural flavor to the narrative ([11], [12]), or even characterize character traits and physical features, from noses to heads, with a matter-of-fact plainness ([13], [14]). This multiplicity underscores its utility in evoking both tactile immediacy and abstract dullness within the literary imagination.