Structure

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Beginning

The exposition of the short story begins in medias res, while a group of children are at school one afternoon. We are introduced to the two main characters, Miss Lewis and Joseph, as well as the importance of the game: “The button lay in the special tin in the right-hand corner of Miss Lewis’s top drawer. The children listened for the sound this drawer made as Joseph opened it.” (  ll. 11-12)

We are also get a detaile…

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Middle

In the rising action, Miss Lewis takes advantage of the quiet afternoon activity to rest her eyes, and we get an insight into her thoughts and problems: “She was often so tired, in the midafternoon, that this handful of seconds in which to close her eyes seemed the true blessing of Buttony.” (ll. 52-54)

The game continues for several rounds while the teacher observes the children and Joseph in particular. Miss Lewis notes that the button is repeatedly given back to him: “As it was, Jyoti picked Archie, and Archie picked Joseph. Joseph picked Mimi, who picked Miranda, who picked Joseph.” (ll. 95-96)

The point of no return occurs when, on the final round of Buttony, Joseph puts the button in his mouth. This action c…

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Ending

The story lacks a falling action. The resolution is very short, and we see Joseph and another teacher running towards Miss Lewis. “She lifted her head and saw 3A’s Mr. Graham running toward her. And Joseph was behind him, not quite running, not altogether, but like a shadow, long and blank and beautiful” (ll. 156-158). Though it is not clear, it is possible that Joseph went to get Mr. Graham, implying that he has taken control of the situation.…