Deconstructing Arthur in Richard Matheson's "Button, Button": More Than Just a Husband
Richard Matheson's chilling short story, "Button, Button," hinges on the ambiguous nature of Arthur Lewis, the protagonist. He's not simply a "good guy" or a "bad guy," but a complex character whose actions reveal a fascinating blend of ambition, morality, and ultimately, human weakness. Understanding Arthur requires looking beyond his initial presentation and analyzing his motivations and choices within the story's unsettling framework.
The Allure of Easy Money: Arthur's Initial Response
Initially, Arthur appears as a relatable everyman. He's struggling financially, working hard to make ends meet. This financial pressure is the fertile ground from which his temptation sprouts. The seemingly simple proposition—push a button, kill a stranger, receive a significant sum of money—immediately sparks his interest. This is where Matheson cleverly reveals a crucial aspect of Arthur's character: his susceptibility to the allure of easy wealth. This isn't necessarily about greed, but more about a deep-seated desire for financial security and escape from the pressures of his everyday life. This makes him instantly sympathetic, even if his choices later become ethically questionable.
The Crushing Weight of Responsibility: Shifting Morality
As the story progresses, Arthur's internal conflict intensifies. He grapples with the moral implications of his actions, showcasing a nuanced understanding of right and wrong. He confides in his wife, Norma, demonstrating a level of trust and emotional intimacy. This scene highlights his desire for external validation, even when faced with a morally dubious decision. His internal struggle is palpable; his initial ambition is now weighed down by the potential consequences of his actions, exposing a moral compass far from being rigidly defined. He's not inherently evil; rather, he's a man wrestling with the weight of a difficult choice under immense pressure.
The Unveiling of Arthur's True Nature: Weakness or Pragmatism?
Ultimately, Arthur's decision—or rather, his inability to make a clear-cut decision—reveals a critical aspect of his character: his inherent weakness. His back-and-forth with Norma, his hesitations, and his ultimate surrender to the temptation show a profound lack of self-assurance. He's swayed by circumstance, pressured by financial anxieties, and ultimately incapable of accepting the full moral responsibility of his potential actions. This doesn't necessarily paint him as villainous, but it does paint a picture of a man easily influenced and lacking in the moral fortitude to withstand temptation. One might even interpret his actions as a form of pragmatism taken to its extreme, a desperate attempt to improve his life, regardless of the cost.
Beyond the Button: A Reflection of Human Nature
Arthur Lewis in "Button, Button" is not a caricature but a reflection of the complexities of human nature. He embodies our vulnerabilities, our susceptibility to temptation, and our internal struggles with morality. He's a man driven by both desire and fear, ultimately failing to reconcile the two. His character's ambiguity is the story's greatest strength, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of ethical dilemmas and the fragility of human resolve in the face of extraordinary circumstances. He is, therefore, not easily categorized, but rather a multifaceted character whose actions invite ongoing analysis and interpretation.