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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 is wrong with Barbara's cat Portia in Chapter 13?

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

3. In Chapter 14, what reason does Sheba's mother give to Sheba for Polly running away?

4. What does Barbara believe is causing Polly's behavior?

5. Why is Barbara disappointed over the summer months?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the confrontation between Sheba, Richard, and Mrs. Connelly in Chapter 15.

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

3. Why does Barbara feel that she cannot yet truly count on Sheba as a friend in Chapter 10?

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Barbara not tell Sheba that Sue is spreading rumors about the two of them?

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

10. Why is Barbara depressed at the beginning of Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and trace the theme of betrayal in "Notes on a Scandal."

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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