Use of contrasts

The use of contrasts is central to the short story “Buttony”, as it highlights the personalities of the two main characters as well as the symbolism of the event narrated.

First of all, contrasts are used a lot in relation to Miss Lewis, especially regarding how she teaches her class and the authority she has over her students. These contrasts highlight the differences between her teaching methods and other classrooms. On the afternoon when the story takes place, we see Miss Lewis giving in to the children’s request and taking them outside to play a game: “Now they hurried to line up at the door. They always played Buttony outside” (ll. 34-35). In contrast to this activity, we see what other teachers are doing with their students in different classes: “In the next-door classroom, 3A recited times tables under the priestly monotone of Mr. Graham. The other side of the corridor shone with 5B’s scaled depiction of the solar system” (ll. 48-50). These other two classes seem much more focused on academic work, and they are described as more serious and even boring through Miss Lewis’ perspective. Mr. Graham’s voice is “monotone”, while Miss Lewis considers the time setting of the story as a “sleepy, silly midafternoon” (l. 4). This much more relaxed attitude potentially contributes to the conflict at the end of the story.

There is also a strong contrast between the beautiful and idyllic setting of the story and the dark and violent behaviour that the children show at the end of the story. As much attention is given to describing the calm spring setting of the game and the seemingly happy and innocent children playing it, it seems even more dramatic when the children turn restless and violent, c...