Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the short story?
What is the name of the short story?
Button, Button
Who is the author of Button, Button?
Who is the author of Button, Button?
Richard Matheson
What is the meaning of the word 'shudder'?
What is the meaning of the word 'shudder'?
A shake in fear (tremble)
What does 'dismay' refer to?
What does 'dismay' refer to?
What does 'scope' mean?
What does 'scope' mean?
What does 'stack' refer to?
What does 'stack' refer to?
What does 'abruptly' mean?
What does 'abruptly' mean?
What does 'indemnity' mean?
What does 'indemnity' mean?
What is the name of the woman in this story?
What is the name of the woman in this story?
What is the name of the husband in this story?
What is the name of the husband in this story?
What is the name of the man who comes with the button?
What is the name of the man who comes with the button?
Who thinks it is okay to push the button?
Who thinks it is okay to push the button?
Who thinks it is unhuman-like and not okay to push the button?
Who thinks it is unhuman-like and not okay to push the button?
How much money will they receive for pushing the button?
How much money will they receive for pushing the button?
What will happen if they push the button?
What will happen if they push the button?
What is the theme of Button, Button?
What is the theme of Button, Button?
Who pushes the button?
Who pushes the button?
Who dies after she pushes the button?
Who dies after she pushes the button?
How does Arthur die (other than the button being pushed)?
How does Arthur die (other than the button being pushed)?
What was Mr. Steward's response to Norma's last call?
What was Mr. Steward's response to Norma's last call?
Where does this story take place?
Where does this story take place?
How does Norma try to justify pushing the button?
How does Norma try to justify pushing the button?
Flashcards
Abruptly
Abruptly
A sudden, unexpected, or usually brief occurrence.
Shudder
Shudder
A trembling or shaking motion, often caused by fear.
Dismay
Dismay
A facial expression or reaction that demonstrates disappointment.
Scope
Scope
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Stack
Stack
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Indemnity
Indemnity
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Norma Lewis
Norma Lewis
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Arthur Lewis
Arthur Lewis
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Mr. Steward
Mr. Steward
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The Button
The Button
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Norma's Reasoning
Norma's Reasoning
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Arthur's Argument
Arthur's Argument
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Ethical Dilemma
Ethical Dilemma
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The Pivotal Question
The Pivotal Question
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Tragic Consequences
Tragic Consequences
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Arthur's Death
Arthur's Death
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Mr. Steward's Final Words
Mr. Steward's Final Words
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Greed
Greed
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Rationalization
Rationalization
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New York City
New York City
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Thematic Exploration
Thematic Exploration
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Human Justification
Human Justification
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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.
