Button, Button (Study Question)

 

Why did Norma consider the tone and attitude of Mr. Steward offensive?

 

Norma thought Mr. Steward to be some salesman and wanted to get rid off him. Therefore, when Mr. Steward ignored her disinterest and pressed on getting inside, she considered this behaviour and tone of Mr. Steward offensive.

 

Why did Arthur disagree with his wife?

 

Arthur was a good man with a conscience. He considered it immoral to kill anyone for the sake of money. This was the reason that he did not agree with his wife.

 

Why did Norma try to persuade her husband to agree with her?

 

Norma was desperate to get her hands on $ 50000. She tried to persuade her husband because she wanted to fulfill her incomplete desires with this money. She thought that they can go on a trip of Europe and buy a cottage near the sea with this money.

 

What were the reasons Norma gave to her husband to accept the offer?

 

Norma tried to convince her husband that all this might be some psychological research or an eccentric millionaire is playing games with people. She also argues that it does not make any difference if some old man in far off Chinese village or some diseased man in Congo dies.

 

Why did Mr. Steward continue persuading Norma?

 

Mr. Steward sensed that Norma is interested in the offer that he was making. He might also have figured out that she was greedier than her husband and therefore, easy prey to his temptation.

 

What was the message Norma received on pushing the button?

 

On pushing the button, she received a phone call from Lenox Hill Hospital. The voice on the phone told her about the subway accident where the shoving crowd pushed Arthur in front of the train.

 

What was the significance of Arthur’s life insurance policy?

 

Arthur’s life insurance policy was worth $ 25000. In the current situation, with double indemnity, it will be worth $ 50000.

 

Did Norma remain normal on receiving the news of the accident of her husband?

 

No, Norma did not remain normal on receiving the news of her husband’s accident. She was shocked and it seemed to her that she could not breath. She became hysterical and pounded the button unit on the sink edge again and again breaking it into pieces.