Button Button Worksheet

Instructions: Read the short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson and watch the Twilight Zone episode linked below. Answer the following questions by comparing and contrasting the two versions, focusing on their different endings and the use of suspense.

Watch the Twilight Zone Episode

  1. 1. Summarize the endings of both the short story "Button, Button" and the Twilight Zone episode. How do they differ?

    Start your answer with: "In the short story, the ending is... In the Twilight Zone episode, the ending is..."

  2. 2. How is suspense built up in each version? Provide specific examples from both the short story and the episode.

    Consider how the author/creator creates tension. Use phrases like "The author builds suspense by..." or "In the episode, suspense is created through..."

  3. 3. Compare the motivations of the main characters in the short story and the Twilight Zone episode. What drives their decisions?

    Think about why the characters make certain choices. You might start with: "In the short story, the character is motivated by... In the episode, the character is motivated by..."

  4. 4. Which version of "Button Button" do you think had a more surprising ending?
  5. 5. Why do you think suspense is important in stories like "Button Button"?

    Select the best answer.