Symbolism in Button Button

Most short stories are made to have some special theme and they incorporate different types of literary devices button button has has all this and even a special way to present it by doing it through symbolism. The story provides the reader with a few different types of symbolism.Button, Button by Richard Matheson uses several examples of symbolism through both the characters and even the button itself.

First off, the button portrays the feeling of temptation because right after Mr. Stewart left Margot asked Arthur “What do you think it was?” That hinted at Margot doing something involved with the button later on. Margot herself even said a variation of the word temptation “curios”. Also, all along the story he kept asking questions that showed that she was interested about the box. Margot asked Arthur, “Aren’t you curious at all?” referring to the box. When Margot asked Arthur that she basically admitted she was curious about the box. Margot would keep asking questions about the box which would further lead to her feelings of temptation building up.

Margot would proceed with asking questions which would build up her temptation and curiosity. Meanwhile Arthur had completely ignored the button or attempted to ignore it but,thats when Margot would begin to start weighing the pros and cons. Margot continued with her questions and asked Arthur, "Suppose it's a genuine offer?”. She brought up the genuine offer question which it instantly showed her being curious or tempted about her pressing the button. Margot continued to weigh the pros and cons and asked another question which showed that her temptation is really growing. Right after Arthur accused the person that pressed the button as a murderer Margot asked "If you don't ...

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Like most of the bad characters or people unfortunately there is always that chance that the antagonist might influence another character or person in a negative way or make them do something bad. After all that time thinking about the button and asking all those questions about it sadly she was negatively influenced. When you spend a lot of time thinking about a bad influence the more curious you get and unfortunately the button got to Margot’s head and it would push her to do something she will surely regret. On the other hand when you reject all thoughts or temptations that have to do anything to do with the antagonist you will end up like Arthur. He successfully avoided the button and mainly everything to do with it and in turn for that he portrayed the good guy in the story sticking with his values and doing the correct thing.