Easy A (2010) is a sharp, witty teen comedy that blends high school drama with literary inspiration and a star-making performance from Emma Stone. With clever writing, self-aware narration, and a modern spin on The Scarlet Letter, this film is more than just your typical high school flick.
Think you remember every rumor, red letter, and sarcastic comeback? Take on our 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re head of the class in Olive Penderghast 101.
Easy A (2010) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays the lead role of Olive Penderghast in Easy A?
Correct Answer: Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s breakout performance as Olive Penderghast was widely praised for its charm, wit, and confidence. Her blend of sarcasm, vulnerability, and sharp delivery turned Easy A into a modern teen classic and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
- What lie does Olive tell that sets off the main plot?
Correct Answer: She loses her virginity
To get out of a weekend with her best friend’s family, Olive invents a story about sleeping with a college guy. The rumor spreads like wildfire, and Olive soon becomes the subject of gossip and moral judgment, which she decides to lean into—for a while.
- Which classic novel heavily inspires the plot and themes of the film?
Correct Answer: The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a major influence, especially in the film’s commentary on shame, reputation, and female sexuality. Olive even reads the novel in English class and later embraces the symbolism by sewing a red “A” onto her outfits.
- What symbol does Olive start wearing on her clothes?
Correct Answer: A red “A”
In response to the school’s judgment and rumors, Olive ironically embraces her “reputation” by wearing scandalous clothing with a red “A”—mirroring Hester Prynne’s punishment in The Scarlet Letter. It becomes her statement of rebellion and commentary on society’s double standards.
- What subject does Mr. Griffith teach?
Correct Answer: English
Mr. Griffith, played by Thomas Haden Church, is Olive’s English teacher. He’s one of the few adults in the film who treats her with respect and sincerity, and his class provides the literary framework for the film’s themes.
- Which character spreads the rumor about Olive first?
Correct Answer: Rhiannon
Rhiannon, Olive’s best friend, spreads the rumor after overhearing Olive’s sarcastic confession. Rhiannon is more interested in popularity than truth, which contributes to the rapid unraveling of Olive’s reputation.
- What does Brandon ask Olive to do for him?
Correct Answer: Pretend to sleep with him
Brandon, a closeted gay student, begs Olive to fake a sexual encounter with him so he can avoid bullying. Olive agrees and the two stage a loud “hook-up” at a party, further boosting the rumor mill and Olive’s misunderstood reputation.
- Who plays Olive’s quirky and supportive parents?
Correct Answer: Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson
Tucci and Clarkson deliver scene-stealing performances as Olive’s cool, understanding, and humorous parents. Their open-minded and offbeat parenting provides a refreshing counterbalance to the judgmental school environment.
- What school event does Olive use to deliver her big reveal?
Correct Answer: A webcast
Olive takes control of the narrative by recording a live webcast where she explains everything that happened, clears the names of others, and reveals how rumors distorted the truth. It’s a powerful and humorous moment of self-reclamation.
- How does Olive end the film?
Correct Answer: By reclaiming her story online
Rather than try to erase the rumors or transfer schools, Olive chooses to own her story and end the false narrative by telling the truth in her webcast. It’s a confident and empowering conclusion to her character arc.
