MovieChat Forums > Notes on a Scandal (2007) Discussion > Barbara wasn't loathed at school...

Barbara wasn't loathed at school...

posted 8 years ago by ubiquitous_diabolus
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Descriptions (and Sheba) state that students and staff at the school loathed Barbara. I think they found her a bit disagreeable, but still respected her. The exception would be the headmaster/principal who did not like Barbara challenging his authority.

High school students generally do not behave for a teacher they loathe. They may not like the teacher as a friend, but at that age, they must respect the teacher to comply with him/her.

Also, I don't think Brian and other teachers would confide their personal secrets and thoughts in Barbara if they truly loathed her. I think they were somewhat intimidated by her, but again, respected her.

We came to wreck everything and ruin your life. God sent us.

[–] bluemagicmist 7 years ago

Barbara had people fear her, that is not earning respect. She knows how to manipulate people to confide in her and then hold those secrets over their heads. She's a loathsome individual whose main desire is to control another human being. She is the insidious cancer that one finds in work environments or even at family gatherings. The one who causes chaos and disharmony, who hates happiness for other people unless it is of her making.

Brian was infatuated with Sheba and Barbara was a link to enabling a romance. I don't think Barbara had the same hold over men, unless they were particularly vulnerable, which Brain wasn't.