RICHARD
BURTON
MATHESON
e
BUTTON ,
BUTTON
(1970)
basis for the movie The Box (2009)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RICHARD BURTON MATHESON (February 20, 1926 – June
23, 2013) was an American author and screenwriter, primarily in
the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres. Matheson
received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in
1984 and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement
from the Horror Writers Association in 1991. The
Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2010.
FAMOUS SHORT STORIES:
The Shores of Space, Shock!, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, Pride,
By The Gun
CHARACTERS
I. Norma (A Greedy Woman who pushes the
button to improve her lifestyle by getting $50,000.)
II. Arthur Lewis (A Person who prefers
morality an disagrees with his wife to kill even some
unknown person.)
III.Mr. Steward (An employee of insurance
company who motivates Norma to push the button.)
SUMMARY OF THE LESSON
Norma and Arthur Lewis, a married couple,
receive a mysterious box containing a button.
Soon after, a man named Mr. Steward arrives at
their door and offers them a deal. If they choose
to press the button, they will receive $50,000, but
someone they don't know will die.
Norma is tempted by the opportunity to improve
their financial situation, while Arthur considers it
morally wrong and views it as murder. The
couple debates the decision for several days.
SUMMARY OF THE LESSON
Norma ultimately decides to press the button, believing
that she will not have to witness the death of the
unknown person. However, shortly after she does so,
Arthur dies in a train accident. Norma receives a life
insurance payment of $50,000, confirming the reality of
the offer.
Filled with grief and suspicion, Norma confronts Mr.
Steward, accusing him of deceit. In response, Mr.
Steward questions whether Norma truly knew her
husband, hinting at hidden aspects of Arthur's character.
MESSAGE OF THE STORY
The story raises moral dilemmas
and explores the consequences of
greed. It prompts readers to reflect
on the choices they would make
when faced with difficult decisions
and the potential consequences that
may follow.
IMPORTANT WORDS
Fastened Attached, Fixed, Clipped,
Tacked
Call on Visit Somebody, See
Someone
Hallway Porch, Corridor
Politely Civilly, Gently, Respectfully,
Courteously
Repress Suppress, Restrain, Control
Offensive Displeasing, Annoying,
Vexing
Valuable Useful, Handy, Beneficial
Monetarily Financially
IMPORTANT WORDS
Frown Scowl, Glower, Dislike,
Disapprove
Hesitate Be reluctant, Be unwilling
Stare Gaze, Goggle, Look Fixedly,
Leer
Surprised Astonished, Amazed,
Startled, Astounded,
Taken aback
Embarrassed Confused, Upset, Agitated
Curious Inquisitive, Eager, Interested
IMPORTANT WORDS
Intrigue Interest, Fascinate, Arouse
someone’s curiosity, Attract
Offend Annoy, Displease, Irritate, Anger
Eccentric Odd, Queer, Strange, Crazy,
Peculiar
Turn off Switch off
Impulsively Instinctively, Spontaneously,
Hastily, Impetuously
Hung up Disconnected Phone
Restrain Control, Prevent, Hold back
Scoff Mock, Jeer, Sneer, Scorn, Ridicule
IMPORTANT WORDS
Nonetheless However, Still, Yet, Nevertheless
Proposition Plan, Proposal, Scheme
Glare Stare, Look angrily
Incredulous Doubtful, Distrustful, Suspicious
Disgusted Offended, Fed up, Displeased
Astounded Astonished, Surprised, Amazed
Break in Interrupt, Interfere
Shudder Tremble, Shiver, Quiver
Offended Angry, Annoyed, Enraged
Vaguely Unclearly, Unvividly, Obscurely
IMPORTANT WORDS
Dismay Fear, Panic, Terror, Horror
Anxiety Worry, Concern,
Nervousness
Contemptuous Scornful,Disdainful,Hateful
Indemnity Compensation, Redress
Numbly Confounded, Impassively
Whirl Circle, Spin
Stumble Stagger, Trip, Wobble,
Lose one’s balance
Important Questions
1. Why did Norma consider the tone and attitude of Mr.
Steward offensive? (2)
2. What is the significance of Arthur’s life insurance policy? (2)
3. What were the reasons Norma gave to her husband to
accept the offer?
4. What was the message Norma received on pushing the
button? (4)
5. Why did Arthur disagree with his wife? (3)
6. On which place was the package lying?
7. What sort of person is Norma?
8. Why did Steward continue persuading Norma?
Important Punctuation Paragraph
mr steward looked embarrassed i m afraid i m not at
liberty to tell you that he said however i assure you
the organization is of international scope
Mr. Steward looked embarrassed. “I’m afraid
I’m not at liberty to tell you that,” he said.
“However, I assure you, that the organization is
of international scope.”
