Short Story Unit Test: Button, Button

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the short story?

Button, Button

Who is the author of Button, Button?

Richard Matheson

What is the meaning of the word 'shudder'?

A shake in fear (tremble)

What does 'dismay' refer to?

A look of disappointment Signup and view all the answers

What does 'scope' mean?

Something that looks at everything (range) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stack' refer to?

Putting something on top of something else (pile) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'abruptly' mean?

In a weird way; suddenly Signup and view all the answers

What does 'indemnity' mean?

Means a payment Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the woman in this story?

Norma Lewis Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the husband in this story?

Arthur Lewis Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the man who comes with the button?

Mr. Steward Signup and view all the answers

Who thinks it is okay to push the button?

Norma Signup and view all the answers

Who thinks it is unhuman-like and not okay to push the button?

Arthur Signup and view all the answers

How much money will they receive for pushing the button?

$50,000 Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if they push the button?

Somewhere someone in the world, that you don't know will die Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of Button, Button?

Do not sell your ethics or ever give them up no matter what Signup and view all the answers

Who pushes the button?

Norma Signup and view all the answers

Who dies after she pushes the button?

Arthur Signup and view all the answers

How does Arthur die (other than the button being pushed)?

A subway crash. He was pushed onto the platform and ran into. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Steward's response to Norma's last call?

Did you really think you knew your husband? Signup and view all the answers

Where does this story take place?

New York, New York Signup and view all the answers

How does Norma try to justify pushing the button?

She says: it is so they can have a cottage in Europe or some eccentric millionaire could be doing it or so they can have a baby or the fact that it could just be someone who was going to die anyway. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Button, Button Overview

Title of the short story: Button, Button
Author: Richard Matheson

Key Characters

Norma Lewis: The wife who ultimately decides to push the button.
Arthur Lewis: Norma's husband, who opposes pushing the button.
Mr. Steward: The mysterious man who presents the button to the couple.

Important Terms

Shudder: A tremble or shake, often due to fear.
Dismay: A facial expression or reaction showing disappointment.
Scope: Refers to the range or extent of something.
Stack: The act of piling items on top of one another.
Abruptly: Occurring suddenly or unexpectedly.
Indemnity: A term meaning payment, typically in a compensation context.

Plot Points

Norm and Arthur are offered $50,000 to push a button that will cause an unknown person to die.
Norma believes pushing the button is justified for financial gain, including aspirations like buying a cottage in Europe.
Arthur argues that pushing the button is wrong and inhumane.

Moral Dilemma

The story's theme revolves around ethics and the moral implications of sacrificing one life for material gain.
The pivotal ethical question is raised: Is it acceptable to sell one's morality for money?

Climactic Events

Norma ultimately pushes the button, resulting in tragic consequences.
Arthur dies as a result of an accident (subway crash) shortly after the button is activated.

Final Thoughts

Mr. Steward’s chilling response to Norma’s last call: “Did you really think you knew your husband?” implies deeper complexities in their relationship and the nature of understanding one another.
The setting takes place in New York, New York, adding to the story's thematic depth and urban ambiance.

Critical Analysis Points

The ethical implications surrounding the push of the button resonate with themes of greed and moral compromise.
Norma attempts to rationalize her decision by suggesting various scenarios that minimize the weight of her choice, revealing the complexities of human justification.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge of the short story 'Button, Button' by Richard Matheson. You'll encounter key vocabulary and definitions that are essential to understanding the narrative. Prepare to explore themes and characters as you refresh your memory of this captivating story.