What Was She Thinking? [Notes on a Scandal] Summary & Key Insights

Zoë Heller's "What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal" centers on the unraveling relationship between Barbara Covett, a history teacher at a prestigious London girls' school, and Sheba Hart, a younger, newly appointed art teacher. Barbara, a lonely and embittered spinster, finds a perverse fascination with Sheba's seemingly perfect life, a fascination that quickly morphs into obsession. Sheba, naive and emotionally vulnerable, is drawn into a clandestine affair with a teenage student, Steven.

The novel unfolds primarily through Barbara's cynical and manipulative narration. We witness her meticulous observation of Sheba's life, her initial admiration turning sour as Sheba's secret affair comes to light. Barbara discovers Sheba's transgression and instead of reporting it to the authorities, she uses her knowledge as a weapon, blackmailing Sheba into a twisted friendship based on secrecy and shared guilt. Barbara's motivation seems a blend of jealousy, loneliness, and a desire for power; Sheba's vulnerability and self-destructive tendencies make her an easy target.

The plot thickens as Barbara's manipulative actions escalate. She subtly undermines Sheba's professional life, leaking information and influencing opinions against her. She orchestrates a series of events designed to control Sheba and maintain her power dynamic. The novel explores the complex dynamics of female relationships, highlighting the destructive potential of envy and the vulnerability of women in positions of powerlessness. Sheba, facing ruin, tries to end the relationship with Barbara, yet finds herself unable to extricate herself from Barbara's clutches.

As the novel progresses, the true nature of Barbara's motivations becomes clear. Her actions aren't simply driven by malice, but also stem from a deep-seated loneliness and a profound lack of self-worth. She craves connection, but her warped approach to forming relationships only leads to destruction. In contrast, Sheba's character is defined by her naivety and her inability to understand the consequences of her actions, highlighting a different kind of moral failing.

The climax of the story sees the revelation of Sheba's affair and the subsequent fallout. While Sheba faces professional and personal ruin, Barbara's actions are ultimately exposed, leaving her isolated and defeated. The novel ends ambiguously, leaving the reader to contemplate the lasting consequences of Barbara's manipulations and Sheba's mistakes. Overarching themes of betrayal, obsession, manipulation, loneliness, and the complexities of female relationships dominate the narrative, leaving a lasting impression of the devastating effects of unchecked envy and the search for connection in the wrong places.