View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. With whom does Barbara spend her Christmas holiday?

2. Why is Polly not participating in Sheba and Ben's visits?

3. What does Sheba convince Steven to eat for the first time at the Indian restaurant?

4. How does the "Mail" describe Steven in Chapter 2?

5. How does Steven tease Sheba when she tells him not to tell anyone about the affair?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast Barbara's view of the affair in Chapter 7 with Sheba's view.

2. Why does Barbara state that she is telling Sheba's story?

3. In Chapter 6, why does Barbara give the last Friday in March a gold star?

4. What does Barbara believe ultimately causes Richard and Sheba's breakup?

5. What does Sheba first think of Steven when he comes to see her with his sketchbooks?

6. What reason does Barbara suspect Richard has for wanting Sheba to visit Ben at the Beckwiths' home?

7. What problems does Sheba associate with having married Richard so young?

8. Describe Steven Connolly's appearance.

9. How does Sheba convince herself that she is innocent in the beginning of the affair?

10. What exactly does Sheba tell Barbara about her relationship with Steven after dinner? How does Barbara respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Barbara states early on in "Notes on a Scandal" that her friendships are rarely balanced; one person tends to take the lead. Who leads in Barbara and Sheba's friendship? Who has the control? How is the power in this friendship determined, and how does each person seem to benefit from the friendship?

Essay Topic 2

Socioeconomic class and status are brought up several times throughout "Notes on a Scandal." Barbara, the narrator, appears to be very interested in social class and makes many assumptions about people and their actions based on her knowledge of their social class. Discuss the role of socioeconomic status in "Notes on a Scandal," considering both the actual impact class status has versus the assumed impact.

Essay Topic 3

Examine and analyze loneliness as a theme and motivating factor in "Notes on a Scandal."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 874 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample