Button Button short story

Point of view?

3rd person omniscient

What was in the package that was delivered to the Lewis family?

A button unit- it was a button attached to a wooden box with glass dome cover that locked

What was Norma's reaction to Mr. Steward's offer? What was Arthur's reaction?

At first, she thinks it's nonsense then she becomes curious and intrigued Arthur isn't interested at all! He wants it gone.

Minor characters?

hospital caller

Motivation?

money for Norma, Morals for Arthur

Exposition?

Anonymous package is delivered to the Lewis' apartment in New York

Antagonists?

Button temptation, Mr. Steward

setting?

New York apartment

What was the cause of Arthurs death?

He was accidentally pushed from the subway platform and hit by a train.

Protagonists?

Norma and Arthur

Climax?

Norma presses the button

Falling action?

Husband dies. Norma gets $50,000 dollars.

External conflict?

Norma vs Arthor, Norma & Arthur vs Mr. Steward

Internal conflict?

Norma vs greed, Arthur vs anger

What type of conflict is Norma presented with? Explain what it is.

Norma vs pressing the button is external. She is conflicted on what to do because she really wants the money.

major characters?

Norma, Arthur, Mr. Steward

How would you best describe Norma and Aurthor?

Norma--unhappy with her life, wants more than what she has and can afford Arthur--seems happy and content and a hard worker. He has a good moral character.

Resolution?

Mr. Steward calls Norma and says, "Did you really know your husband?"

Rising action?

Mr. Steward explains the details. Norma and Arthur argue and send it back. Norma calls Mr. Steward and gets the button back.

Who is Mr. Steward and why does he show up at the Lewis home? What does he offer them?

Mr. Steward is the person who delivers the button unit. He shows up to explain the details of pressing the button. He offers them $50,000 for pressing it.

What does Mr. Steward promise will happen if the button is pressed?

Mr. Steward promises that she will receive the money and someone in the world that she doesn't know will die.

What does Mr. Steward say to Norma at the end of the story? Explain what that means.

My dear lady, did you actually think you "knew" your husband?

How do we know that Norma is not happy with her current life?

She makes comments about all the things that she wants that she doesn't have. She also wants to press the button

How does Norma justify pressing the button? What was her final motivation?

She says "it's for us"

What do you think the button symbolizes in the story? Why? Give evidence to prove.

The button symbolizes temptation. She is faced with making a decision that is good vs evil by pressing the button.

What will they receive for pressing the button?

They will receive $50,000

Theme?

You don't always know a person