Gwendy's Button Box

The button box forces Gwendy to question her reality, particularly whether her success—and her nightmarish failures—are a result of fate or free will. After coming into possession of the box, Gwendy’s life dramatically improves: She’s admired as beautiful, earns higher grades, and excels in sports. Yet she always feels unsure what part of her success is earned versus provided to her by the button box: “The questions remain: How much of her life is her own doing, and how much the doing of the box with its treats and buttons” (58). As Gwendy grows and matures, she becomes less dependent on the button box and many of these concerns about fate and free will disappear. Her relationship with Harry reflects her growth as a character into a more confident and content person with far less need for the benefits the button box provides. As the effects of the button box start to wear off, Gwendy finds she doesn’t care. Her decision to ignore the button box signals her desire to embrace her autonomy: “I don’t need it, she thinks. More importantly, I don’t want it. The realization makes her head sing and her heart soar, and Gwendy returns to her bedroom with a spring to her step and a smile on her face” (125).