1. Please summarize the plot in your own words with no more than 100 words.

   
   

2. Think about the theme of this passage.

    

3. Please fill in this form with the infomation from the text (You will be asked to show your form to us in class) :

   	Norma	Arthur
   Role in the family
   Personality
   Moral strengths

   Moral weaknesses

4. If you are to use several words to summarize the change of Norma's thoughts and behaviour, what words would you use? 
   

The overall structure of this passage:

I. Introduction: Mr. Steward makes the proposition with the button unit. (1-41)

II. First day: Norma and Arthur reacted differently to the proposition. (42-52)

    Their first discussion: Arthur thought the whole thing was immoral while Norma was tempted. 

III. Second day: Norma got deeply involved in the matter and the couple began to drift apart. (53-       90)

      Norma called Mr. Steward for confirmation of the offer. 

      Norma took in the returned button unit. 

      Their second discussion: Norma tried to convince Arthur to push the button. 

IV. Third day: Norma made the decision and pressed the button. (91-116)

V. Ending: Norma found out the person that died was her husband (117-129). 

Think about the following questions. We'll discuss them in class.

1. What can we know about the setting of the story? And what about the couple’s relationship?

2. Why did Norma smile when she first saw the note?

3. What was Norma’s first impression on Mr. Steward?

4. Why did the couple invite Mr. Steward in?

5.  What were their respective first reactions to Mr. Steward’s offer?

6. How did Arthur and Norma differ in their attitudes toward the offer? 

7. Why do you think Norma find it intriguing? What does this say about her?

8. What does Arthur’s attitude suggest about him?

9. What does it foreshadow when Norma lay in bed thinking about the fifty thousand dollars?

10. What did Norma do with Mr. Steward’s card? Why did she do that?

11. Look at Norma’s telephone conversation with Mr. Steward. What might be on her mind? 

12. What did Norma do with the returned button unit? Did this say anything about Norma?

13. How did Arthur define murder? How did Norma challenge it? Do you take any of their sides?

14. Was Norma certain that someone would die? Would it make a difference if she was not certain but simply set on trying? 

15. Does the amount of money matter here? What if it were 10,000? Or 10 million? What would you do? 

16. Why did Norma get up early and prepare a big breakfast for Arthur?

17. What do you think of the things Norma wanted? 

18. Did her attitude change? How can you tell? What about Arthur’s?

19. What was Norma’s reaction when she had the telephone call? 

20. What emotions do these actions show?

21. Do you think Mr. Steward honored his words and kept all his promises? 

22. Does this ending arouse your re-evaluation of the narrative?