Even though Jimmy Valentine was a criminal in his past and Norma was an average human being, the “criminal” makes the selfless decision while the “normal” human makes a selfish one; this decision not only teaches us that selfless decisions are always better, but shows us our history does not have to influence the present. Frighteningly, in “Button, Button” a typical family is portrayed, since “the protagonists in [most] fantasy fiction” stories, as the “main characters are ordinary people who discover that terror lurks beneath the familiar, comfortable veneer of reality”; this strengthens the connection between the reader and Norma, as common humans like her are easily relatable to ("Richard Matheson"). Jimmy previously robbed banks, deceived the law, and committed many other acts of misconduct. Although his history shows him deviating from the path of morality, he still chose a more humanitarian decision than Norma, a typical human being. Instead of our pasts controlling the present, we should use previous experiences to enhance our personalities and improve our decision making skills. Yesterday’s darkness does not determine tomorrow’s brightness. Although history is set in stone, our individual personalities and beliefs can change, as Jimmy’s does. The reader becomes aware of his reconstruction of character when Jimmy writes in a letter to an old friend that he “wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world,” which confirms Jimmy’s old ways are behind him (Henry 35). We have the ability to mold our futures, like clay, into any shape we desire.
While "A Retrieved Reformation" and "Button, Button" are both entertaining stories, deep analysis provides the reader with valuable lessons and themes. Humans are inherently selfish as Norma was, but this innate quality does not have to stick forever. Change is crucial to a healthy lifestyle and the development of better character. Jimmy is a prominent example of this, as his mischievous life style transforms into the role of a loving fiancée. Although Jimmy and Norma are fictional characters created many years ago, they apply to our lives today and help break down the intricate nature of human beings. Poor choices do not necessarily equate to poor character. However, becoming a better individual requires reflection of past choices and willingness to change. Through this, the world will escape the selfish side of the spectrum of morality, which will renovate the human race. Works Cited
Henry, O. "A Retrieved Reformation." Literature and Language. By Jane N. Beatty. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 1992. 31-36. Print.
Matheson, Richard. "Button, Button." Literature and Language. By Jane N. Beatty. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 1992. 588-94. Print.
"A Retrieved Reformation." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Sara Constantakis. Vol. 31. Detroit: Gale, 2010. 177-196. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 23. Oct 2013.
"Richard Matheson." eNotes. eNotes Publishing, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. .
Cited: Henry, O. "A Retrieved Reformation." Literature and Language. By Jane N. Beatty. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 1992. 31-36. Print. Matheson, Richard. "Button, Button." Literature and Language. By Jane N. Beatty. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 1992. 588-94. Print. "A Retrieved Reformation." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Sara Constantakis. Vol. 31. Detroit: Gale, 2010. 177-196. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 23. Oct 2013. "Richard Matheson." eNotes. eNotes Publishing, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. .
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