Norma, from

Button, Button , Protagonist or An

tagonist?
At first, in the presence of Mr. Stewart, Norma and Arthur Lewis have
a bit of a conflict on whether or not to keep the button. It is quickly decided
between the two of them that the button should be promptly returned to Stewart
on the spot. Nevertheless, Stewart presses them to take it; this perhaps more th
an anything else shows his true colors. Finally, the couple relents and takes th
e button. This shows initially how the seeds are being planted for pressure, in
addition to further conflict, thanks in no small part to the salesman. After Ste
wart leaves, a card bearing his name and phone number. Arthur quickly tears it u
p, which shows his commitment to opposing the offer the button proposed complete
ly. They then discuss the reasons, and even the validity for the offer. The duo
even speculate that an eccentric millionaire might be behind the button. Eventua
lly, they go to sleep, though, the price tag of $50,000 sticks in Norma s head. Mr
. Stewart s trap has been planted.
The following day, Norma awakens - grabbing the crumpled pieces of
Stewart s card, and putting them in her purse. After lunch, curiosity gets the be
st of her, and she dials the number on the card. Mr. Stewart answers, and procee
ds to answer Norma s lingering doubts and questions about the validity of his butt
on. Calling the whole thing crazy, she eventually hangs up. She then builds up a
nger towards the nerve of Stewart to even drop the button off at their house to
begin with, promising herself that she would dispose of it by the morning. The p
sychological games of Stewart working, at dinner, Norma brings up the button to
Arthur once more. He counters her thoughts with the implications of pressing the
button, and whom it might harm. She brings up how 50,000 dollars could most cer
tainly allow them to take vacations, as well as buy additional real estate. Arth
ur, however, has had enough of it, and asks her to refrain from discussing it an
ymore. Norma then agrees to his proposal, perhaps wishing for it to end herself.
The third day on, though, she brings it up again, in order to clear the air, an
d to ensure Arthur she is anything but selfish. Arthur, however, becomes a bit f
rightened by the whole proposal being real. His hands shaking, he does not discu
ss it anymore, and leaves.
Minutes pass, and Norma shrugs. She thinks about how she should not
have to worry about heading in for work, and instead should be at home. Now that
the seed has been planted, Norma turns towards the only thing that could make h
er wish a reality - the button. The inevitable then happens - she finds the butt
on. After a few minutes of contemplation, staring at the dome of the contraption
, she unlocks it. As soon as it s dome is off, she thinks of how ridiculous it is in
nature, and how its proposed actions could never come true. With little faith,
she pressed the button, uttering for us . Time passes, resulting in Norma deciding
to get to work, and get her mind of the button. Unexpectedly, once she gets home
, the phone rings - it is the Hospital. The operator proceeds to inform her of h
ow her husband died, by way of subway accident. The $50,000 she will receive in
life insurance is no consolation. Immediately, she knows whom to blame. Stewart.
At the conclusion of her call, she dials Stewart. He broke his original promise
, broke the condition on how the button would work, and instead of apologizing,
his response is cold and calculating, Did you really think you knew your husband? ,
he utters .
In conclusion, Mr. Stewart s lies and actions that pushed Norma over the
edge are not in any way her fault. It is basic human nature to have temptation,
however, it is inexcusable for one to take advantage of that for their own deme
nted gain. Norma s struggles with such a potentially beneficial tool also should b
e looked at it. After all, as she herself says, by using the money gained by pre
ssing the button, the Lewis could tremendously improve their lives, making hersel
f the protagonist in their marriage and future. It is especially important to t
ake into consideration the struggle between her and Arthur, and how that might h

ave played into her decision. She felt that he did not understand the benefits o
f using the button, unlike herself personally. It is important when asking wheth
er she is the protagonist or antagonist, to ask yourself a question. Would you n
ot be tempted to press the button?