Language

Style of language

The style of language used in Richard Matheson’s short story “Button, Button” is neutral. The narration does not include any overly formal phrases, but it also does not generally have any slang words or contractions. This allows the reader to focus on the action of the story.

The story includes mostly dialogue with very little narration. The dialogue mostly represents conversations between Norma and Arthur, or between Norma and Mr. Stewart. Moreover, the dialogue is often short and fast-paced, in a way that reflects the way people normally talk in casual conversation. For example:

‘Norma —’

 ‘Well, I wasn’t. When I talked about Europe, a cottage on the island —’

 ‘Norma, why are we getting so involved in this?’

 ‘I’m not involved at all.’ She drew in a...