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Button, Button (Honors)

Andy Gribbin

Created on October 21, 2024

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"Button, Button"

Short Story

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Students will be able to identify and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in Button, Button and analyze how these motivations drive character actions and impact relationships.
Students will explore ethical dilemmas presented in the story and evaluate the moral decisions made by the characters, relating them to broader questions of human behavior and moral responsibility.
Students will reflect on the impact of individual choices in high-stakes situations and discuss how external pressures and personal values can influence ethical decisions.

Learning Objectives:

What motivates people to make ethical or unethical choices?
How does external pressure impact moral decisions?
What is the role of curiosity and temptation in decision-making?
What are the consequences of choices driven by extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation?

Essential Questions:

Meet the Author

Richard Matheson (1926–2013) was an American author and screenwriter known for his prolific contributions to the realms of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and suspense. Born on February 20, 1926, in Allendale, New Jersey, Matheson demonstrated his literary talent from an early age, becoming a published author while still in high school. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Matheson pursued his passion for writing, penning numerous short stories and novels that would later cement his status as a master of speculative fiction. His writing often explored themes of loneliness, alienation, and the human condition, capturing the imagination of readers with his imaginative plots and compelling characters. Matheson's groundbreaking works include "I Am Legend," a post-apocalyptic vampire novel that inspired countless adaptations across various media, including film and television. His other notable novels include "The Shrinking Man," "Hell House," and "Bid Time Return" (adapted into the film "Somewhere in Time"). Richard Matheson passed away on June 23, 2013, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate audiences around the world. His imaginative storytelling and exploration of the human psyche ensure that his works remain timeless classics in the pantheon of speculative fiction.

Key subgenres within speculative fiction include:

Key elements of psychological thrillers include:

Speculative fiction is a broad genre encompassing narratives that imagine possibilities beyond the confines of our current reality. This genre includes elements that speculate about future events, alternate realities, or extraordinary circumstances. Speculative fiction often explores "what if" scenarios, posing questions about potential outcomes in science, society, or human nature.

A psychological thriller is a subgenre of both the thriller and psychological fiction genres that emphasizes the mental and emotional states of its characters. It often explores complex psychological themes such as fear, guilt, obsession, paranoia, and moral ambiguity. The tension in a psychological thriller arises from the characters' inner struggles and the manipulation of their perceptions, rather than just external threats or action-based conflict.

Speculative Fiction

Psychological Thriller

Genre

Extrinsic motivation refers to actions driven by external factors, such as rewards, social pressures, or avoidance of negative consequences. Characters with extrinsic motivation act because they are seeking an outcome outside of themselves, whether that’s material gain, approval from others, or the avoidance of punishment.

Extrinsic Motivation:

A character volunteers at a shelter because helping others gives them a sense of purpose.
A detective relentlessly pursues a case because they have a personal need to uncover the truth, regardless of recognition or rewards.
A student studies hard not for grades, but because they have a genuine curiosity and passion for learning.

Examples of Intrinsic Motivation:

Key Features of Intrinsic Motivation:

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal factors that come from within the character. These motivations are rooted in personal desires, emotions, or values. Characters with intrinsic motivation act because of the satisfaction, fulfillment, or emotional reward they gain from their actions. These internal drivers are not dependent on external rewards or pressures.

Intrinsic Motivation

In literature, character motivation refers to the reasons behind a character’s actions, decisions, and behaviors within a story. Understanding character motivation helps readers analyze why characters act in certain ways and how these actions drive the plot forward. Motivation can be broadly categorized into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Character Motivation

By examining whether a character’s motivation is intrinsic, extrinsic, or a combination of both, readers can gain a clearer understanding of their choices and the driving forces behind the story’s plot development.

A doctor works long hours at a hospital because they are passionate about saving lives (intrinsic motivation) but also because they want to earn a prestigious award in their field (extrinsic motivation).

Example of Combined Motivation:

In many cases, characters are motivated by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A character may pursue a goal for personal reasons while also being influenced by external rewards or pressures. Understanding both types of motivation provides deeper insight into a character’s actions and personality, making their behavior more relatable and complex.

Combining Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation:

A character works overtime to earn a promotion and a salary increase, even if they don’t enjoy the job.
A politician campaigns for office primarily for the power and status it brings, rather than a desire to serve the public.
A student completes an assignment not because they are interested in the subject, but to avoid failing the class or disappointing their parents.

Examples of Extrinsic Motivation:

Key Features of Extrinisic Motivation:

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Character Motivation

Is Carlos's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Carlos trains rigorously for the school marathon, determined to improve his personal best time. He has a passion for running and feels proud every time he improves, regardless of whether he wins.

Scenario 4:

Is Lila's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Lila volunteers at the animal shelter because she loves animals and feels fulfilled by caring for them. She also enjoys the positive comments and praise she receives from the other volunteers.

Scenario 3:

Is Ethan's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Ethan joins the debate club because his parents promised to reward him with a new phone if he participates in an extracurricular activity. While he enjoys debating a little, he’s mostly interested in the reward.

Scenario 2:

Is Maria’s motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Maria spends hours practicing the piano every day. She feels a deep connection to the music and finds joy in expressing herself through each piece she plays.

Scenario 1:

Read each scenario below, then decide if the character’s motivation is intrinsic, extrinsic, or a combination of both. Provide an explanation for your answer.

Practice Character Motivation

Extrinsic - Ethan’s primary motivation is the reward of a new phone, which is an external factor, even if he has a slight interest in debating.

Intrinsic - Maria is motivated by her personal enjoyment and fulfillment from playing the piano, with no mention of outside rewards or pressure.

Sample Explanation:

Is Ethan's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Scenario 2:

Is Maria’s motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Maria spends hours practicing the piano every day. She feels a deep connection to the music and finds joy in expressing herself through each piece she plays.

Scenario 1:

Practice Character Motivation

Intrinsic - Carlos’s motivation comes from his personal passion for running and self-improvement, rather than any external reward or recognition.

Both - Lila’s motivation is intrinsic because she loves animals, but she also enjoys the praise from others, an extrinsic motivator.

Sample Explanation:

Is Carlos's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Carlos trains rigorously for the school marathon, determined to improve his personal best time. He has a passion for running and feels proud every time he improves, regardless of whether he wins.

Scenario 4:

Is Lila's motivation intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Explain.

Lila volunteers at the animal shelter because she loves animals and feels fulfilled by caring for them. She also enjoys the positive comments and praise she receives from the other volunteers.

Scenario 3:

Practice Character Motivation

Think About It

By Richard Matheson

"Button, Button"

As you read, click on the icons for definitions and other information to help you better understand what you are reading. Click on the questions that occur as you read to confirm understanding.

Assignment: "Button, Button"

As you read, think about the following: How does Matheson use Norma's decision to comment on aspect of human nature, suck as greed, temptation, or moral responsibility.