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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sheba tell Barbara that her shared interest with Steven is?

2. Why is Sheba irritated with Steven at the end of Chapter 10?

3. What does Pabblem tell Barbara to do at the end of Chapter 15?

4. Where does Steven get the phrase "Foxy Lady" for the portrait he gives to Sheba?

5. Why does Barbara feel guilty at the beginning of Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Barbara angry when she leaves the fireworks?

2. Why, do you think, is Barbara's manuscript such a shock for Sheba?

3. What lesson does Sheba relate to Barbara that she learned from her mother about parenting?

4. What does Polly's guidance counselor say is the cause of her behavior, and how does Barbara feel about that diagnosis?

5. Why is Barbara so excited about going to lunch with Bangs?

6. Describe the dynamic of Barbara and Jennifer's past friendship.

7. Why is Barbara so upset with Sheba at the end of Chapter 12 when Sheba leaves to go see Steven?

8. Describe Barbara's physical condition in the beginning of Chapter 14. Why is her health suffering in this way?

9. Describe the mood when Sheba goes to Steven's house.

10. Describe the incident at the restaurant on the way home from picking Polly up from Brighton.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Barbara obsessed with Sheba, or is she simply a supportive friend to Sheba during a time of crisis? Explore this relationship, using examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

What role does revenge play in "Notes on a Scandal"? Consider the different characters in the novel. Who is acting out of revenge, and for what?

Essay Topic 3

Examine and analyze the theme of lust in "Notes on a Scandal." What characters are driven by lust in the traditional sense? Which characters are driven by a sort of lust in an untraditional sense? What impact does lust have on the overall conflict of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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