Question

In paragraph 87, Mr. Steward returns the button unit to the Lewis home after his phone conversation with Norma. How does this action affect the Lewises?

Answer 1

Answer:

A. It encourages Norma to consider using the button unit.

Explanation:

The short story Button, Button by Richard Matheson revolves around the theme of how a person may do anything to get money even at the cost of someone's life. This story deals with human greed and selfish nature.

Mr. Steward had told the Lewises about the button and how it works. Once pushed, it will kill someone they don't know and don't need to know. But the upside of it was that they will get $50,000. At first, the Lewises unitedly rejected the offer and gave the package with Mr. Steward. But Norma Lewis called him the next day, which led to the return of the package. And without her husband's knowledge, she kept it in the house. She began to conjure up reasons for why the offer, stating "some eccentric millionaire is playing games with people" or that it might not be as serious as they had thought it'd be. This return of the package only encourages Norma to consider pushing the button, which we know led to the death of Arthur and thus, Norma got the right amount, which is $50,000 of his life insurance.