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Questions and Answers
What item does Norma find inside the package?
A push-button unit fastened to a small wooden box.
Who visits Norma at 8:00 PM?
Mr. Steward.
How does Norma initially respond to Mr. Steward's offer?
She is dismissive and suppresses a smile, suspecting a sales pitch.
What does Mr. Steward claim about the gadget inside the package?
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What task was Norma engaged in while preparing for Mr. Steward's visit?
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What is the primary offer presented by Mr. Steward in the dialogue?
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How do Arthur and Norma react to Mr. Steward's proposal?
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What does Mr. Steward imply about the organization behind the offer?
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What does Arthur's eventual acceptance of the button signify?
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In the dialogue, what does the question 'Is this a practical joke?' reveal about Arthur's mindset?
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Study Notes
The Button
- Mr. Steward presents a mysterious box containing a button to Arthur and Norma Lewis, offering them $50,000 if they press it, resulting in the death of an unknown person.
- Arthur is repulsed by the suggestion and finds the offer unbelievable, while Norma is intrigued by the potential benefits.
- Despite her initial hesitation, Norma later presses the button, leading to Arthur's accidental death in a subway accident.
- After Arthur's death, Norma discovers that the box is empty, suggesting that the button had no physical connection to the victim.
Examining the Morality
- The story explores the theme of the power of money and its impact on morality.
- Norma initially rejects the offer, seeing it as immoral, but the promise of financial gain ultimately leads her to betray her own principles.
- Arthur's opposition highlights the importance of human connection and the value of life, regardless of the potential rewards.
- The story suggests that the human psyche is susceptible to temptation, even when ethical considerations are present.
Symbolism
- The button itself is a powerful symbol of the potential for destruction within humanity.
- The empty box serves as a metaphor for the emptiness of material wealth and the illusion of control we often perceive.
- The accident that claims Arthur’s life underscores the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of fate.
Questions for Discussion
- Do you think Norma’s actions were justified? Why or why not?
- How does the story explore the themes of greed, temptation, and morality?
- What is the significance of the empty box?
- What does the story suggest about the power of deception and the nature of fate?
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Description
Explore the moral dilemmas presented in 'The Button' by Richard Matheson. This quiz examines the characters' choices and the underlying themes of greed and morality, focusing on how financial temptation can lead to unethical decisions. Challenge your understanding of the narrative's implications and character motivations.
