Class 10 English Chapter 6 Question Answer | The Hundred Dresses – II
Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6 – The Hundred Dresses – II by El Bsor Estes. This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary, textbook solutions (Oral Comprehension Check, Thinking about the Text, and Thinking about the Language), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
Summary of The Hundred Dresses – II
“The Hundred Dresses – II” is the second and concluding part of the touching story written by El Bsor Estes. This part deals with the aftermath of Wanda Petronski’s departure from school and the feelings of guilt, regret, and moral awakening experienced by her classmates, especially Peggy and Maddie.
The chapter begins with Miss Mason reading a letter written by Wanda’s father, Mr. Jan Petronski, to the class. In the letter, Mr. Petronski informs the school that his children, Wanda and her brother Jake, will no longer attend the school. The family is moving to a big city where nobody will make fun of their Polish names or laugh at them. Miss Mason is visibly upset and unhappy. She tells the class that it is a very unfortunate and sad thing to make fun of someone because their name sounds different. She urges the children to reflect on their behaviour and to think about how they would feel if their own names were laughed at.
After hearing the letter, Maddie feels deeply ashamed and guilty. Although she had never directly teased Wanda, she had stood by silently while Peggy bullied her. She considers herself a coward for not having the courage to speak up. She realizes that her silence was just as bad as Peggy’s teasing. She is so disturbed that she cannot concentrate on her studies. She wants to find Wanda and apologize to her.
Peggy, on the other hand, tries to justify her behaviour. She claims that she never called Wanda a foreigner, never made fun of her name, and never really meant to hurt her. She even argues that her questioning about the dresses may have actually inspired Wanda to draw her hundred dress designs that won the contest. However, despite her excuses, Peggy too feels uncomfortable about what happened.
After school, Peggy and Maddie decide to go to Boggins Heights to find Wanda and tell her that she had won the drawing contest and that everyone thought she was wonderful. They hope to convince her not to move away. When they reach Boggins Heights, they find the Petronski house – a little white house that looks shabby but clean, much like Wanda’s faded blue dress. However, the house is empty. The Petronski family has already moved away. The girls are disappointed and sad.
That night, Maddie cannot sleep. She thinks about Wanda, her faded blue dress, her little house, and the hundred beautiful dress drawings lined up in the classroom. She thinks long and hard and makes the most important decision of her life. She resolves that she will never again stand by and say nothing when someone is being mistreated. She decides that she will speak up against any kind of bullying or cruelty, even if it means losing Peggy’s friendship. She is determined that she will never make anyone else unhappy again.
On Saturday, Peggy and Maddie write a friendly letter to Wanda. They intend to apologize, but the letter ends up being more of a friendly note. They tell her about the drawing contest, ask her about her new school and new teacher, and say that her drawings were the prettiest in the whole school. They do not directly say they are sorry. Days pass, but there is no reply. Maddie is more anxious than Peggy about receiving a reply, and she has trouble sleeping.
Finally, just before Christmas, a letter arrives from Wanda. Miss Mason reads it out to the class. Wanda writes that the girls can keep those hundred dresses because she has a hundred new ones all lined up in her new house. She asks Miss Mason to give the drawing of the green dress with the red trimming to Peggy and the drawing of the blue dress to Maddie. She says she misses her old school and that her new teacher cannot compare to Miss Mason.
Peggy and Maddie take their drawings home. On the way, Peggy says that the letter shows that Wanda really liked them. That night, Maddie pins the drawing on her bedroom wall and studies it carefully. Tears blur her eyes as she notices something remarkable – the face and head of the girl in the blue dress look exactly like her. Wanda had drawn Maddie’s face on the blue dress design. She realizes that Wanda had drawn this picture especially for her. Similarly, Peggy’s drawing of the green dress has Peggy’s face on it. This discovery confirms that Wanda truly liked them and bore no ill feelings despite the way they had treated her. Wanda’s generous and forgiving nature deeply moves both girls.
The story ends on a note of reconciliation, regret, and hope. Through Wanda’s kindness and forgiveness, Peggy and Maddie learn valuable lessons about empathy, standing up for what is right, and treating all people with dignity and respect.
Thinking about the Text (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 74)
Q1. What did Mr Petronski’s letter say?
Ans: Mr. Petronski’s letter informed Miss Mason and the school that his daughter Wanda and his son Jake would not come to school anymore. The family was moving to a big city where nobody would make fun of their names or laugh at them for being different. Through the letter, Mr. Petronski indirectly complained about the teasing and ridicule his children had faced because of their unusual Polish name.
Q2. Is Miss Mason angry with the class, or is she unhappy and upset?
Ans: Miss Mason is not angry with the class but rather unhappy and upset. She feels it is unfortunate and sad that someone in the class has been made fun of because of their name. She talks to the class in a thoughtful and disappointed tone rather than scolding them. She takes off her glasses, rubs them, and puts them back on – signs that she is emotionally affected. She urges the children to think about how they would feel if their own names were laughed at. Her reaction shows sadness and disappointment rather than anger.
Q3. How does Maddie feel after listening to the note from Wanda’s father?
Ans: After listening to Mr. Petronski’s letter, Maddie feels deeply ashamed and guilty. She has a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. Although she had never directly teased Wanda or asked her about her dresses, she had stood by silently while Peggy did so. She realizes that her silence was just as bad as what Peggy had done. She considers herself a coward for not having spoken up against the bullying. She cannot concentrate on her lessons and is tormented by her feelings of guilt and regret.
Q4. What does Maddie want to do?
Ans: Maddie wants to find Wanda and apologize to her. She wants to tell Wanda that she is sorry for what happened and that the whole school thinks she is wonderful. She wants to convince Wanda not to move away. Maddie wants to make amends for her behaviour and assure Wanda that she and Peggy would fight anyone who was not nice to her. Essentially, Maddie wants to set things right and ease her guilty conscience.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 76)
Q5. What excuses does Peggy think up for her behaviour? Why?
Ans: Peggy thinks up several excuses to justify her behaviour towards Wanda. She says that she never called Wanda a foreigner and never made fun of her name directly. She claims that she never thought Wanda had even the sense to know that they were making fun of her. Peggy also argues that her questioning about the dresses may have actually given Wanda the idea to draw a hundred beautiful dress designs, which helped her win the contest. Peggy thinks up these excuses because she does not want to feel guilty about her actions. She tries to rationalize her teasing to make herself feel better and to avoid accepting responsibility for the pain she caused.
Q6. What are Maddie’s thoughts as they go to Boggins Heights?
Ans: As they go to Boggins Heights, Maddie is filled with hope and determination. She hopes that they will find Wanda and that she has not yet moved away. She wants to tell Wanda that she has won the drawing contest and that the whole school thinks she is wonderful. She plans to tell Wanda that everyone would be nice to her from now on, and that she and Peggy would fight anybody who was not nice to her. Maddie also feels ashamed of herself for having stood by silently during the teasing. She is deeply troubled and hopes that meeting Wanda will help ease her guilty conscience.
Q7. Why does Wanda’s house remind Maddie of Wanda’s blue dress?
Ans: Wanda’s house reminds Maddie of Wanda’s blue dress because both share the same characteristics – they are shabby, old, and faded, but clean. Just as Wanda’s blue dress was always clean despite being worn and faded, the little white house on Boggins Heights looked old and sparse but was neat and well-kept. The resemblance between the house and the dress highlights the Petronski family’s poverty and dignity – they may have been poor, but they maintained cleanliness and self-respect.
Q8. What important decision does Maddie make? Why does she have to think hard to do so?
Ans: Maddie makes the important decision that she will never again stand by and say nothing when someone is being mistreated. She resolves to speak up against any kind of bullying, teasing, or cruelty towards others, regardless of the consequences. She decides that even if it means losing Peggy’s friendship, she will not remain a silent bystander while someone is being hurt. She is determined that she will never make anybody else so unhappy again.
She has to think hard about this decision because it involves a great personal risk. Peggy is her best friend, and speaking against Peggy could mean the end of their friendship. Standing up to the most popular girl in school requires tremendous courage, especially for someone like Maddie who is poor and insecure. But her conscience and the memory of what happened to Wanda finally give her the strength to make this difficult but morally right decision.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 79)
Q9. What did the girls write to Wanda?
Ans: On Saturday, Peggy and Maddie wrote a friendly letter to Wanda. They originally intended to write an apologetic letter, but it turned out to be more of a friendly note. They told her about the drawing contest and how she had won. They asked her about her new school and her new teacher, and whether she liked the big city. They said that her drawings were the prettiest in the whole school. However, they did not directly say they were sorry for teasing her.
Q10. Did they get a reply? Who was more anxious for it?
Ans: They did not get a reply for a long time. Days passed, and there was no response from Wanda. The girls started to think that Wanda might not reply because she must have been sad and angry at them. However, just before Christmas, a letter finally arrived from Wanda. Between the two girls, Maddie was much more anxious for a reply than Peggy. Maddie could not sleep at night, and she had frightful dreams about Wanda and her hundred dresses. The thought of what they had done to Wanda tormented her constantly.
Q11. How did the girls know that Wanda liked them even though they had teased her?
Ans: The girls knew that Wanda liked them because of the special gifts she sent through her letter. In her letter, Wanda wrote that the girls could keep those hundred dresses. She specifically asked that the drawing of the green dress with the red trimming be given to Peggy and the drawing of the blue dress be given to Maddie. When the girls looked at their drawings carefully, they discovered that Wanda had drawn their faces on the dresses – Peggy’s face on the green dress and Maddie’s face on the blue dress. This personal touch proved that Wanda had thought about them with affection, not anger, and that she truly liked them despite the teasing she had endured.
Thinking about the Text (Page 79-80)
Q1. Why do you think Wanda’s family moved to a different city? Do you think life there is going to be different for their family?
Ans: Wanda’s family moved to a different city because of the constant teasing and ridicule they faced due to their unusual Polish name. The children at school repeatedly mocked Wanda’s name and made fun of her for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. Mr. Petronski finally decided that his children should not have to endure such humiliation. In a big city, there would be many people from different backgrounds and with different names, so nobody would single them out or laugh at them.
Life in the big city may be somewhat different for the Petronski family. In a larger, more diverse city, people are generally more accepting of different names and backgrounds. However, discrimination and prejudice can exist anywhere. The family might find better acceptance in a big city, but they may also face new challenges. What is certain is that the move was a desperate attempt by a father to protect his children from further hurt and humiliation.
Q2. Maddie thought her silence was as bad as Peggy’s teasing. Was she right?
Ans: Yes, Maddie was absolutely right in thinking that her silence was as bad as Peggy’s teasing. Although Maddie never directly mocked Wanda or asked her embarrassing questions, she stood by silently while Peggy did so. By remaining silent, Maddie indirectly encouraged and supported the bullying. Her presence as a passive audience gave Peggy the confidence to continue the teasing. If Maddie had spoken up and told Peggy to stop, Peggy might have reconsidered her behaviour. Maddie’s silence made her complicit in the bullying.
In any situation of injustice, those who remain silent and do nothing are almost as responsible as those who commit the wrong. A bystander who witnesses bullying and does not intervene is enabling the bully. Maddie understood this, and that is why she felt such deep guilt and eventually made the decision to never remain silent again.
Q3. Peggy says, “I never did call her a foreigner or make fun of her name. I never thought she had the sense to know we were making fun of her anyway. I thought she was too dumb. And gee, look how she can draw!” What are Peggy’s__(excuses) for her behaviour? Are they__(reasonable)?
Ans: Peggy makes several excuses for her behaviour. First, she says she never called Wanda a foreigner directly. Second, she claims she never made fun of Wanda’s name. Third, she says she thought Wanda was too “dumb” to realize she was being teased. Fourth, she suggests that her questioning may have inspired Wanda to draw a hundred dresses and win the contest.
These excuses are not reasonable at all. Just because Peggy did not use the word “foreigner” directly does not mean she was not making fun of Wanda. Her constant mocking questions about the hundred dresses were clearly aimed at humiliating Wanda. Assuming that Wanda was “too dumb” to understand the teasing shows Peggy’s arrogance and insensitivity. And suggesting that her bullying inspired Wanda’s art is a self-serving argument that tries to turn a wrong into a positive. Peggy is simply trying to avoid feeling guilty by rationalizing her cruel behaviour.
Q4. What important decision does Maddie make? Why did she have to think hard to do so?
Ans: Maddie makes the important decision that she will never again stand by and say nothing when someone is being treated unkindly. She resolves to speak up against bullying and injustice, even if it means losing Peggy’s friendship. She is determined that she will never make anybody else so unhappy again.
She had to think hard about this decision because it was the hardest thing she had ever done. Peggy was her best and most important friend. Speaking against Peggy could end their friendship and leave Maddie isolated. Maddie was also a poor girl who wore hand-me-down clothes, and she feared that standing up to the popular girl could make her a target too. Choosing between moral courage and social security was extremely difficult for her. However, the memory of Wanda and the guilt of her silence ultimately gave her the strength to make this brave decision.
Q5. Why do you think Wanda gave Maddie and Peggy the drawings of the dresses? (Why are they__(special)?)
Ans: Wanda gave Maddie and Peggy the drawings of the dresses as a gesture of forgiveness and affection. Despite being teased and bullied by them, Wanda bore no ill feelings. The drawings were special because Wanda had drawn the faces of the two girls on the dresses – Peggy’s face on the green dress with the red trimming and Maddie’s face on the blue dress. This showed that Wanda had been thinking of them while drawing and that she genuinely liked them.
By giving them these personal drawings, Wanda was showing that she understood and forgave them. The dresses were her way of saying goodbye and letting them know that she held no grudges. The drawings also proved that her claim of having a hundred dresses was not a lie – she truly had a hundred dresses in her imagination and in her art. Wanda’s generosity and kindness, despite the cruelty she had faced, made the drawings even more meaningful and deeply moved both Peggy and Maddie.
Q6. Do you think Wanda really thought the girls__(were__(making fun of her)? Why or why not?
Ans: Yes, Wanda most likely knew that the girls were making fun of her. Although she always answered their questions about her dresses calmly and stolidly, without showing any visible emotion, it does not mean she was unaware of the teasing. Her father’s letter makes it clear that the family was deeply affected by the mockery – the Petronskis moved to a different city specifically to escape the ridicule. If Wanda had truly been unaware of the teasing, her family would not have felt the need to leave.
Furthermore, the fact that Wanda drew the faces of Peggy and Maddie on her dress designs suggests that she observed them carefully and thought about them. She understood the dynamics of their relationship. Her calm exterior was a defence mechanism – she chose to maintain her dignity and not give the girls the satisfaction of seeing her upset. Wanda’s stolidness was not a sign of ignorance but of quiet strength and restraint.
Thinking about the Language (Page 80-81)
I. Using Adjectives to Describe Characters
Q1. Find the words or phrases which could be used to describe the characters in the following table:
| Character | Adjectives/Phrases |
|---|---|
| Peggy | Sarcastic, thoughtless, arrogant, cruel, haughty, proud, vain, insensitive, popular, pretty, confident, talented, self-justifying |
| Wanda | Kind, courteous, talented, lonely, generous, compassionate, creative, sensitive, forgiving, dignified, quiet, resilient, artistic, noble |
| Maddie | Timid, placid, insipid, introspective, guilty, cowardly, empathetic, morally conscious, insecure, passive, conflicted, remorseful |
II. Phrasal Verbs
Q2. Find the sentences in the story with the following phrasal verbs and use them in sentences of your own:
(i) Lined up:
From the story: “She thought of the glowing picture of those hundred dresses all lined up in the classroom.”
Own sentence: The students lined up in the corridor before entering the examination hall.
(ii) Thought up:
From the story: “Peggy, who had thought up this game.”
Own sentence: The children thought up a clever plan to surprise their teacher on her birthday.
(iii) Took off:
From the story: “Miss Mason took off her glasses, rubbed them and put them on again.”
Own sentence: He took off his coat and hung it on the hook behind the door.
(iv) Stood by:
From the story: “She had stood by silently, and that was just as bad as what Peggy had done.”
Own sentence: The crowd stood by and watched as the old man struggled to cross the busy road.
III. Colour Expressions
Q3. Match the colour expressions with the meanings given below:
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Monday morning blues | Feeling of sadness or depression after the weekend |
| Go red in the face | To feel embarrassed or angry |
| Look green | To feel very sick or unwell |
| Red carpet | A special, grand welcome given to an important person |
| Blue-blooded | Of noble or aristocratic birth |
| Green belt | An area of land around a city where construction is prohibited |
| Blackguard | A scoundrel; a dishonest or wicked person |
| Grey area | Something that is unclear, uncertain, or hard to define |
| White flag | A sign of surrender or truce |
| Blueprint | A detailed plan or design for a building or project |
| Red-handed | Caught in the act of committing a crime or doing something wrong |
| Green light | Permission or approval to begin something |
Additional Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. Why did Jan Petronski write a letter to the teacher?
Ans: Mr. Jan Petronski wrote a letter to Miss Mason, the teacher, to inform her that his daughter Wanda and his son Jake would no longer attend the school. The family was moving to a big city. In the letter, he indirectly complained that his children had been constantly teased about their “funny” Polish name. He said that in the big city, nobody would make fun of their names because there would be many people from different backgrounds.
Q2. How did Miss Mason react to Mr. Petronski’s letter?
Ans: Miss Mason was deeply upset and saddened by Mr. Petronski’s letter. She took off her glasses, rubbed them, and put them back on – a sign of her emotional disturbance. She told the class that it was a very unfortunate and sad thing that anyone should be made fun of because of their name. She was not angry but rather disappointed in the behaviour of her students. She urged the children to think about how they would feel if their own names were ridiculed.
Q3. Why did Peggy and Maddie go to Boggins Heights?
Ans: Peggy and Maddie went to Boggins Heights to find Wanda and apologize to her. They wanted to tell her that she had won the drawing contest and that the whole school thought she was wonderful. They hoped to convince her not to move away. They also wanted to assure her that they would be nice to her from now on and would fight anyone who was not kind to her.
Q4. What did Wanda’s house look like? What did it remind Maddie of?
Ans: Wanda’s house was a little white house located on top of Boggins Heights. It looked old, sparse, and shabby but was neat and clean. The house reminded Maddie of Wanda’s faded blue dress because both the house and the dress shared the same quality – they were worn and faded but maintained with care and cleanliness. This connection made Maddie feel even more sympathetic towards Wanda.
Q5. Why couldn’t Maddie sleep the night she returned from Boggins Heights?
Ans: Maddie could not sleep because she was deeply troubled by guilt and regret. She thought about Wanda, her faded blue dress, and the little house she had lived in. She also thought about the glowing pictures of those hundred dresses all lined up in the classroom. She was tormented by the knowledge that she had missed her chance to apologize to Wanda. The weight of her silence during the bullying kept her awake, and she spent the night thinking about what she should do differently in the future.
Q6. What important decision did Maddie make after discovering the Petronskis had left?
Ans: After discovering that the Petronskis had already moved away, Maddie made a firm decision that she would never again stand by and say nothing when someone was being mistreated. She resolved to speak up against bullying and injustice, even if it meant losing her best friend Peggy’s friendship. She decided that she would never make anybody else so unhappy again. This was the most important and difficult decision of her life.
Q7. What did Peggy and Maddie write in their letter to Wanda?
Ans: Peggy and Maddie wrote a friendly letter to Wanda on Saturday. They told her about the drawing contest and how she had won. They asked her how she liked her new school and her new teacher. They said her drawings were the prettiest in the whole school. Although the letter was originally meant to be an apology, it ended up being more of a friendly note. They did not directly express their regret or say sorry for the teasing.
Q8. What did Miss Mason say about hurting people’s feelings?
Ans: Miss Mason told the class that it was a very unfortunate and sad thing that anyone should make fun of somebody because of their name. She said that no one in the class should ever hurt or humiliate another person because their name sounds funny or different. She urged the children to reflect on their behaviour and to think about how they would feel if their own names were made fun of. She emphasized the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Q9. How did Peggy try to defend herself after Mr. Petronski’s letter was read?
Ans: Peggy tried to defend herself by making several excuses. She said she never called Wanda a foreigner and never made fun of her name directly. She claimed she never thought Wanda was smart enough to understand that they were teasing her. She also argued that her constant questioning about the dresses may have actually inspired Wanda to draw a hundred designs and win the contest. In this way, Peggy tried to shift the blame and even take credit for Wanda’s artistic achievement.
Q10. What was Wanda’s letter about? What did she want to give to the girls?
Ans: Wanda’s letter arrived near Christmas. In it, she wrote that the girls could keep the hundred dresses because she had a hundred new ones all lined up in her closet in her new house. She specifically asked that the drawing of the green dress with the red trimming be given to Peggy and the drawing of the blue dress be given to Maddie. She also said she missed her old school and that her new teacher was not as good as Miss Mason. The letter was friendly and warm, with no trace of anger or resentment.
Q11. How did Maddie and Peggy realize that Wanda liked them?
Ans: Maddie and Peggy realized that Wanda liked them when they carefully examined the drawings she had gifted them. When Maddie looked closely at her drawing of the blue dress, she noticed that the face and head of the girl in the drawing looked exactly like her own face. Similarly, Peggy’s green dress drawing had Peggy’s face on it. The fact that Wanda had drawn their faces on the dresses showed that she had been thinking about them with affection and had made these drawings specially for them.
Q12. What is the significance of the title “The Hundred Dresses – II”?
Ans: The title “The Hundred Dresses – II” signifies the continuation and conclusion of Wanda’s story. In Part I, the “hundred dresses” were the subject of mockery and disbelief. In Part II, the same hundred dresses become symbols of Wanda’s extraordinary talent, her forgiving nature, and the lessons learned by Peggy and Maddie. The hundred dresses transform from objects of ridicule into gifts of forgiveness and love, changing their meaning entirely from the first part to the second.
Q13. Why were the girls unable to directly apologize in their letter to Wanda?
Ans: The girls were unable to directly apologize in their letter because it was difficult for them to put their true feelings into words. They felt ashamed and embarrassed about their behaviour and did not know how to express their regret. Writing a direct apology would mean admitting that they had done something wrong, which was emotionally challenging. So instead of saying sorry, they wrote a friendly note about the contest, her drawings, and her new school, hoping that the warm tone would convey their feelings.
Q14. What was the season when Wanda’s reply arrived? How does the setting contribute to the mood of the story?
Ans: Wanda’s reply arrived near Christmas. The houses had wreaths and holly in the windows. Outside the grocery store, hundreds of Christmas trees were stacked, and candy peppermint sticks and cornucopias of shiny transparent paper were strung in the window. The Christmas setting contributes to the mood of the story by creating an atmosphere of warmth, hope, and reconciliation. Christmas is a time of forgiveness, generosity, and goodwill – themes that align perfectly with Wanda’s forgiving letter and the moral awakening of Peggy and Maddie.
Q15. How does Maddie’s character change from Part I to Part II of the story?
Ans: In Part I, Maddie is a passive, timid, and cowardly bystander who watches the teasing of Wanda without having the courage to speak up. She knows that what is happening is wrong but remains silent out of fear of losing Peggy’s friendship and becoming a target herself. In Part II, Maddie undergoes a significant transformation. She feels deep guilt and shame after learning about the Petronskis’ departure. She thinks long and hard and finally makes the courageous decision to never remain silent in the face of injustice again, even if it costs her Peggy’s friendship. This marks her growth from a coward to someone with moral courage.
Q16. What does Wanda’s forgiving nature teach us?
Ans: Wanda’s forgiving nature teaches us the power of kindness and generosity in the face of cruelty. Despite being bullied and humiliated by her classmates, Wanda does not hold grudges. Instead, she gifts her beautiful drawings to the very girls who teased her, even drawing their faces on the dresses as a personal touch. Her forgiveness shows that responding to hatred with love is far more powerful than responding with anger. It also teaches us that true strength lies in forgiving those who have wronged us.
Q17. Who is more sensitive – Peggy or Maddie? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Maddie is more sensitive than Peggy. While Peggy tries to justify her behaviour by making excuses and does not show deep remorse, Maddie is genuinely tormented by guilt. Maddie cannot concentrate on her studies, cannot sleep at night, and has frightful dreams about Wanda. She feels a sick feeling in her stomach and considers herself a coward. Maddie also makes the difficult decision to stand up against injustice in the future, showing that her conscience is more active than Peggy’s. Peggy, on the other hand, quickly moves on and even tries to take credit for inspiring Wanda’s drawings.
Additional Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)
Q1. How did Wanda win the hearts of her classmates despite being bullied by them?
Ans: Wanda won the hearts of her classmates through her exceptional artistic talent, her quiet dignity, and her remarkable capacity for forgiveness. Although she was constantly mocked for her Polish name and for wearing the same faded blue dress every day, Wanda never showed anger or bitterness. Instead, she channeled her emotions into her art and created a hundred breathtakingly beautiful dress designs that won the school’s drawing and colouring contest.
When the drawings were displayed on the classroom walls, every student was amazed by the brilliance, colours, and variety of her designs. Even those who had teased her were forced to admire her extraordinary talent. The judges declared that any single one of her drawings was worthy of winning the prize.
Most importantly, Wanda won hearts through her generosity and forgiveness. Despite the cruelty she had endured, she sent a warm, friendly letter to her old classmates near Christmas. She gifted her drawings to the class and specifically personalized two of them – drawing Peggy’s face on the green dress and Maddie’s face on the blue dress. This selfless act of kindness, from a girl who had every reason to be angry and resentful, deeply moved everyone. Wanda proved that true greatness lies not in popularity or material wealth but in talent, dignity, and the ability to forgive.
Q2. Compare and contrast the characters of Peggy and Maddie as they appear in Part II of the story.
Ans: In Part II of “The Hundred Dresses,” the characters of Peggy and Maddie reveal significant differences in their moral responses to the situation with Wanda.
Peggy is the popular, pretty, and talented girl who initiated the “dresses game.” In Part II, after learning about the Petronskis’ departure, Peggy tries to justify her behaviour rather than feeling genuine remorse. She makes excuses – she never called Wanda a foreigner, she never made fun of her name, and she even claims that her teasing may have inspired Wanda’s drawings. Peggy is quick to rationalize and slow to accept responsibility. However, she does accompany Maddie to Boggins Heights and helps write the letter to Wanda, showing that she is not entirely heartless.
Maddie, on the other hand, is deeply affected by the incident. She feels a sick feeling in her stomach and considers herself a coward for having stood by silently during the teasing. She cannot sleep at night and has frightful dreams. Unlike Peggy, Maddie does not make excuses. She accepts her guilt fully and undergoes genuine moral growth. She makes the difficult decision to never remain silent in the face of injustice again, even at the cost of Peggy’s friendship.
Similarities: Both girls feel some level of discomfort about what happened. Both go to Boggins Heights to find Wanda. Both write a letter to her and both keep the drawings Wanda gifted them.
Differences: Peggy rationalizes her behaviour while Maddie accepts her guilt. Peggy is confident while Maddie is remorseful. Peggy shows less emotional depth while Maddie undergoes a profound moral transformation. Maddie is more anxious for Wanda’s reply than Peggy, showing deeper emotional investment. Ultimately, Maddie demonstrates greater character growth than Peggy.
Q3. Why did Wanda’s family move to a different city? What does this tell us about the impact of bullying?
Ans: The Petronski family moved to a different city because Wanda and her brother Jake were constantly ridiculed at school for their unusual Polish name. Their classmates, led by Peggy, regularly mocked them for being different. Mr. Petronski felt that his children should not have to endure such humiliation. In a big city with a diverse population, he hoped that nobody would single them out or make fun of their names.
This move tells us a great deal about the devastating impact of bullying. First, it shows that bullying does not just affect the victim at school – it affects the entire family. Mr. Petronski was so troubled by his children’s mistreatment that he uprooted the whole family and moved to a different city. Second, it shows that bullying can force people to leave their homes, schools, and communities. The Petronskis had to abandon their house, their neighbourhood, and everything familiar to them just to escape the mockery.
Third, the move reveals the emotional toll of bullying. Even though Wanda never showed her feelings outwardly, the teasing clearly caused her immense pain. Her calm exterior hid deep hurt. Fourth, it demonstrates that what may seem like “harmless fun” to the bullies can have serious, life-changing consequences for the victims. Peggy and Maddie never imagined that their teasing would result in Wanda leaving the school and the city.
The Petronskis’ move is a powerful reminder that every act of bullying has consequences, and that we must treat all people with kindness and respect.
Q4. What does Maddie’s character reveal about standing up against injustice?
Ans: Maddie’s character journey illustrates both the difficulty and the importance of standing up against injustice. Throughout the story, Maddie serves as the representation of the silent majority – the people who know that something wrong is happening but choose to remain quiet for various reasons.
In Part I, Maddie was paralyzed by fear. She feared losing Peggy’s friendship, she feared becoming the next target of ridicule, and she feared social isolation. These fears kept her silent while Wanda was being humiliated day after day. She tried to ease her conscience by telling herself that Peggy was not really being cruel and that Peggy “could not possibly do anything that was really wrong.” She even thought about writing a note to Peggy asking her to stop but never found the courage to do so.
In Part II, the consequences of her inaction become painfully clear. The Petronskis have moved away, and Maddie is consumed by guilt. She realizes that her silence was just as bad as Peggy’s active teasing. This realization leads to the most important decision of her life – to never again remain silent when someone is being mistreated.
Maddie’s character teaches us that silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality – it is complicity. It also shows that moral courage requires sacrifice. Maddie knew that standing up to Peggy could cost her the most important friendship in her life, yet she chose to do the right thing. Her story encourages readers to find the courage to speak up against bullying and injustice, regardless of the personal cost, because the price of silence is always higher.
Q5. How does Wanda’s letter reveal her true character? What makes her response remarkable?
Ans: Wanda’s letter, which arrives near Christmas, reveals a character of extraordinary nobility, generosity, and emotional maturity. Despite having endured months of teasing and ridicule from her classmates, Wanda’s letter contains no trace of anger, bitterness, or resentment. Instead, it is warm, friendly, and generous.
In the letter, Wanda tells the girls that they can keep the hundred dresses because she has a hundred new ones in her new house. She specifically gifts the green dress with red trimming to Peggy and the blue dress to Maddie. She expresses that she misses her old school and says her new teacher cannot compare to Miss Mason. The letter reads like a message from a friend, not from a victim.
What makes her response truly remarkable is the personal touch in the drawings. Wanda had drawn Peggy’s face on the green dress and Maddie’s face on the blue dress. This means that even while being teased by these girls, Wanda had observed them carefully, thought about them, and created personalized art as gifts for them. Instead of harboring hatred, she chose to express affection.
Wanda’s letter reveals a girl who is emotionally mature beyond her years. She understands that responding to cruelty with kindness is far more powerful than responding with anger. Her forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of great inner strength. She demonstrates that true character is not about what the world does to you, but about how you respond to it. Wanda’s generosity makes Peggy and Maddie feel the weight of their wrongdoing more deeply than any angry letter could have.
Q6. What is the significance of the hundred dresses in the story? How does their meaning change from Part I to Part II?
Ans: The “hundred dresses” function on multiple symbolic levels in the story, and their significance evolves dramatically from Part I to Part II.
In Part I, the hundred dresses represent Wanda’s incredible claim that nobody believes. Her classmates laugh at her because a girl who wears the same faded blue dress every day claims to have a hundred dresses in her closet. The dresses become the basis of the “dresses game” – a form of daily teasing and mockery. At this stage, the hundred dresses symbolize the gap between Wanda’s imagination and her reality, and the cruelty of children who mock what they do not understand.
In Part II, the hundred dresses take on entirely new meanings. First, they prove Wanda’s truthfulness – she really did have a hundred dresses, not in fabric but in her extraordinary artistic imagination. Each drawing was a masterpiece of design and colour. Second, the dresses become symbols of Wanda’s hidden talent and intelligence – qualities that her classmates had completely overlooked because they were too busy mocking her. Third, when Wanda gifts the drawings to the class and specifically to Peggy and Maddie, the dresses become symbols of forgiveness and love. The very thing that was used to humiliate her becomes her gift to those who humiliated her.
The hundred dresses ultimately symbolize the idea that a person’s true worth cannot be measured by material possessions, appearance, or social status. Wanda’s hundred dresses existed in her imagination and talent, not in her closet, and they turned out to be more beautiful than any real dresses could have been.
Q7. What role does Miss Mason play in the story? How does her response to Mr. Petronski’s letter reflect the broader purpose of education?
Ans: Miss Mason, the teacher of Room Thirteen, plays a crucial role in the story, particularly in Part II. When she receives Mr. Petronski’s letter about the family’s departure, she recognizes its deeper implications for her classroom and her students’ characters.
Instead of dismissing the letter or simply filing it away, Miss Mason reads it to the entire class. She takes off her glasses, rubs them, and puts them back on – a deliberate gesture that shows she is emotionally affected and wants the class to pay attention. She then speaks thoughtfully about how unfortunate and sad it is that anyone should be made fun of because of their name. She does not scold or punish the students but instead urges them to reflect on their behaviour and empathize with Wanda.
Miss Mason’s response reflects the broader purpose of education – that it is not merely about teaching subjects and skills but about building character, empathy, and moral values. She understands that the most important lesson she can teach her students is about treating others with dignity and respect. By reading the letter and discussing it, she creates a moment of moral reflection that profoundly affects Maddie and, to some extent, Peggy.
Later, when Wanda’s Christmas letter arrives, Miss Mason again reads it to the class, completing the cycle of learning. She serves as the bridge between Wanda’s world and the classroom, helping the students understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of kindness. Miss Mason represents the ideal teacher who shapes not just minds but hearts and consciences.
Q8. “The Hundred Dresses – II” is a story about guilt, forgiveness, and moral growth. Discuss.
Ans: “The Hundred Dresses – II” beautifully explores the interconnected themes of guilt, forgiveness, and moral growth through its three main characters.
Guilt: The theme of guilt is primarily explored through Maddie’s character. After hearing Mr. Petronski’s letter, Maddie is overwhelmed by a sick feeling in her stomach. She realizes that her silence while Peggy teased Wanda was just as bad as the teasing itself. She cannot study, cannot sleep, and has frightful dreams. The guilt eats away at her because she knows she had the awareness to understand the wrongness of the situation but lacked the courage to act. Peggy also feels some guilt, though she tries to mask it with excuses and rationalizations.
Forgiveness: The theme of forgiveness is embodied by Wanda. Despite being the victim of persistent bullying, Wanda responds with extraordinary grace and generosity. Her Christmas letter contains no anger or accusation. Instead, she gifts her beautiful dress drawings to the very girls who teased her, even personalizing them by drawing their faces on the dresses. Wanda’s forgiveness is unconditional – she does not wait for an apology or demand an explanation. She simply chooses kindness over bitterness.
Moral Growth: The most significant moral growth occurs in Maddie. She evolves from a passive, fearful bystander into someone who makes a conscious commitment to stand up against injustice. Her decision to never again remain silent when someone is being mistreated – even at the cost of her friendship with Peggy – represents a profound transformation. This growth is not easy; it requires her to think harder than she has ever thought before. But in the end, she emerges as a morally stronger person.
Together, these three themes create a powerful narrative about human nature. The story shows that we all make mistakes, that guilt can be a catalyst for positive change, that forgiveness has the power to heal, and that moral growth often requires painful self-reflection and difficult decisions.
Q9. Describe the character of Wanda Petronski as revealed in Part II of the story.
Ans: Part II of the story reveals the full depth and beauty of Wanda Petronski’s character.
Dignity and Strength: Wanda endured months of teasing and mockery without ever losing her composure or dignity. She never retaliated, never complained, and never broke down in front of her tormentors. This quiet strength is remarkable for a young girl who was isolated, poor, and facing daily humiliation.
Extraordinary Talent: Wanda’s hundred dress drawings, each a unique masterpiece of colour and design, reveal her as an exceptionally talented artist. Her talent was completely hidden from her classmates because they never bothered to look beyond her shabby appearance and unusual name. The judges at the drawing contest declared that any one of her hundred drawings was worthy of winning the prize.
Forgiveness and Generosity: Perhaps Wanda’s most remarkable quality is her ability to forgive. Despite having every reason to be angry and bitter, she writes a warm, friendly letter to her old classmates. She generously gifts her drawings to the class and even personalizes two of them with the faces of Peggy and Maddie – the girls who had led the teasing. This act of unconditional kindness shows emotional maturity far beyond her years.
Perceptiveness: The fact that Wanda drew the faces of Peggy and Maddie on the dresses shows that she was observant and perceptive. She noticed the girls who teased her, studied their faces, and still chose to think of them with affection rather than anger.
Sensitivity: Though Wanda appeared stoic and unaffected on the outside, Part II makes it clear that she was deeply sensitive. Her family’s decision to move to another city shows that the teasing hurt her profoundly. Yet she chose to respond to that hurt with grace and compassion rather than with bitterness.
Wanda Petronski represents the best of human nature – talent without arrogance, strength without aggression, and kindness without conditions. She teaches us that true greatness lies in character, not in appearance or popularity.
Extract-Based Questions (with Answers)
Extract 1
“The first period was a study period. Maddie tried to prepare her lessons, but she could not put her mind on her work. She had a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. True, she had not enjoyed listening to Peggy ask Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet, but she had said nothing. She had stood by silently, and that was just as bad as what Peggy had done.”
Q(a). Why could Maddie not concentrate on her studies?
Ans: Maddie could not concentrate on her studies because she was overwhelmed by guilt and shame after hearing Mr. Petronski’s letter. She felt a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach as she realized her role in Wanda’s mistreatment.
Q(b). What was “just as bad as what Peggy had done”?
Ans: Maddie’s silence was just as bad as what Peggy had done. Although Maddie had never directly teased Wanda, she had stood by silently while Peggy mocked her. By saying nothing, she had indirectly supported and enabled the bullying.
Q(c). What does this extract reveal about Maddie’s character?
Ans: This extract reveals that Maddie has a strong conscience and is capable of self-reflection. She recognizes her moral failing – that her silence made her complicit in the bullying. She is sensitive enough to feel guilty, even though she was not the one directly doing the teasing. This moral awareness sets her apart from Peggy.
Q(d). What is the meaning of “stood by silently”?
Ans: “Stood by silently” means to remain present during an event without taking any action to stop it. In this context, it means that Maddie was present while Peggy teased Wanda but did nothing to intervene or defend Wanda. She was a passive bystander who watched the bullying happen without speaking up.
Extract 2
“She was never going to stand by and say nothing again. If she ever heard anybody picking on someone because they were funny looking or because they had strange names, she’d speak up. Even if it meant losing Peggy’s friendship. She had no way of making things right with Wanda, but from now on she would never make anybody else so unhappy again.”
Q(a). Who is ‘she’ in this extract? What decision does she make?
Ans: ‘She’ is Maddie. She makes the decision that she will never again stand by and say nothing when someone is being bullied or mistreated. She resolves to speak up against any kind of teasing or cruelty, even if it means losing Peggy’s friendship.
Q(b). Why does she say she “had no way of making things right with Wanda”?
Ans: She says this because the Petronski family has already moved away from Boggins Heights. When Maddie and Peggy went to find Wanda, the house was empty. Wanda was gone, and Maddie had missed her chance to apologize. She cannot undo the past or take back the hurt that was caused.
Q(c). What quality of Maddie is revealed in this extract?
Ans: This extract reveals Maddie’s moral courage and her capacity for growth. She is willing to sacrifice her most important friendship to do the right thing. Her decision shows that she has learned from her mistake and is committed to being a better person. She demonstrates that it is never too late to change.
Q(d). What is the meaning of “picking on someone”?
Ans: “Picking on someone” means to unfairly criticize, bully, tease, or target a person repeatedly. It involves deliberately making fun of someone or treating them badly, usually because they are different, weaker, or unable to defend themselves.
Extract 3
“Tears blurred her eyes and she gazed for a long time at the picture. Then hastily she rubbed her eyes and studied it intently. The colours in the dress were so vivid that she had scarcely noticed the face and head of the drawing. But it looked like her, Maddie! It really looked like her own mouth. Why, it really looked like her own self! Wanda had really drawn this for her.”
Q(a). Why did tears blur Maddie’s eyes?
Ans: Tears blurred Maddie’s eyes because she was deeply moved by the realization that Wanda had drawn her face on the blue dress. Despite being teased and bullied, Wanda had thought of Maddie with affection and created a personalized drawing for her. The combination of guilt, gratitude, and regret overwhelmed Maddie emotionally.
Q(b). What did Maddie discover when she studied the drawing intently?
Ans: When Maddie studied the drawing intently, she discovered that the face and head of the girl in the blue dress looked exactly like her own face. She recognized her own mouth and features in the drawing. She realized that Wanda had deliberately drawn Maddie’s face on the dress and had made this drawing specially for her.
Q(c). What does this discovery tell us about Wanda’s feelings towards Maddie?
Ans: This discovery tells us that Wanda genuinely liked Maddie and harboured no ill feelings towards her. Despite the teasing, Wanda had observed Maddie carefully, remembered her features, and drawn them with care and affection. The personalized drawing was a gift of forgiveness and love, showing that Wanda was kind-hearted and forgiving.
Q(d). What is the meaning of “vivid” in this context?
Ans: “Vivid” means intensely deep, bright, and strong in colour. In this context, it means that the colours in Wanda’s drawing of the blue dress were so brilliant and striking that they initially drew all of Maddie’s attention, causing her to overlook the face and head of the figure in the drawing.
Extract 4
“But Maddie could not get to sleep. She thought about Wanda and her faded blue dress and the little house she had lived in. And she thought of the glowing picture of those hundred dresses all lined up in the classroom. At last Maddie sat up in bed and pressed her forehead tight in her hands and really thought. This was the hardest thing she had ever done.”
Q(a). Why could Maddie not get to sleep?
Ans: Maddie could not sleep because she was deeply troubled by guilt and regret. She was thinking about Wanda and everything associated with her – the faded blue dress, the little house on Boggins Heights, and the hundred beautiful drawings. The knowledge that she had stood by silently during the bullying and had missed her chance to apologize kept her awake.
Q(b). What was “the hardest thing she had ever done”?
Ans: The hardest thing Maddie had ever done was to think deeply about her own behaviour and make a moral decision. She sat up in bed, pressed her forehead in her hands, and genuinely confronted her own cowardice and complicity. Making the decision to stand up against injustice in the future, even at the cost of Peggy’s friendship, was the most difficult choice she had ever faced.
Q(c). What contrast does the extract draw between Wanda’s dress and her drawings?
Ans: The extract contrasts Wanda’s faded blue dress with the “glowing picture” of her hundred dress drawings. While Wanda’s actual dress was old, faded, and plain, her drawings were brilliant, colourful, and beautiful. This contrast highlights the gap between Wanda’s outward appearance and her inner talent and imagination. It also shows how her classmates misjudged her based on her appearance.
Q(d). What does the phrase “pressed her forehead tight in her hands” suggest?
Ans: This phrase suggests intense concentration, emotional distress, and deep internal struggle. Maddie is physically showing the mental strain of thinking hard about a moral dilemma. She is wrestling with her conscience and trying to decide what kind of person she wants to be. The gesture conveys anguish, determination, and the weight of self-reflection.
Extract 5
“How are you and Room Thirteen? Please tell the girls they can keep those hundred dresses, because in my new house I have a hundred new ones, all lined up in my closet. I’d like that girl Peggy to have the drawing of the green dress with the red trimming and I’d like the girl Maddie to have the blue one.”
Q(a). Who wrote this letter? To whom was it addressed?
Ans: Wanda Petronski wrote this letter. It was addressed to Miss Mason and her old classmates in Room Thirteen. The letter arrived near Christmas.
Q(b). What does “those hundred dresses” refer to?
Ans: “Those hundred dresses” refers to the hundred beautiful dress drawings that Wanda had submitted for the school’s drawing and colouring contest. These were the same drawings that won her the contest prize. She is telling the girls that they can keep the drawings displayed in the classroom.
Q(c). What is the tone of this letter?
Ans: The tone of the letter is warm, friendly, and generous. There is no trace of anger, bitterness, or resentment despite the teasing Wanda had endured. The letter is cheerful and forgiving, showing Wanda’s kind and noble character.
Q(d). Why does Wanda specifically mention Peggy and Maddie by name?
Ans: Wanda specifically mentions Peggy and Maddie by name because she had drawn these two dresses with their faces on them. She wanted each girl to have the drawing that was made especially for her. This personal gesture shows that Wanda had observed both girls carefully and thought about them with affection, proving that she truly liked them despite the way they had treated her.
Extract 6
“On the way home from school Maddie and Peggy held their drawings very carefully. All the houses had wreaths and holly in the windows. Outside the grocery store, hundreds of Christmas trees were stacked, and in the window, candy peppermint sticks and cornucopias of shiny transparent paper were strung.”
Q(a). Why did the girls hold their drawings very carefully?
Ans: The girls held their drawings very carefully because these drawings were special gifts from Wanda. The drawings had deep sentimental value – they were not just beautiful works of art but symbols of Wanda’s forgiveness and affection. The girls treasured them because they realized the significance of Wanda’s generous gesture.
Q(b). What season is described in this extract? What details indicate it?
Ans: The Christmas season is described in this extract. The details that indicate it are the wreaths and holly in the windows of houses, the hundreds of Christmas trees stacked outside the grocery store, and the candy peppermint sticks and cornucopias displayed in shop windows. These are all traditional Christmas decorations and symbols.
Q(c). How does the festive setting contribute to the mood of the story?
Ans: The festive Christmas setting creates a mood of warmth, hope, and reconciliation. Christmas is associated with forgiveness, generosity, and goodwill – themes that perfectly mirror Wanda’s forgiving letter and her generous gift of the drawings. The cheerful surroundings contrast with the girls’ inner emotions of guilt and gratitude, making the moment more poignant and meaningful.
Q(d). What is the meaning of “cornucopias” in this context?
Ans: “Cornucopias” literally means horn-shaped containers, often depicted overflowing with fruits, flowers, and other items, symbolizing abundance and plenty. In this context, they refer to cone-shaped or horn-shaped decorative containers made of shiny transparent paper, likely filled with Christmas candy, that were displayed in the grocery store window.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who wrote the letter to Miss Mason about Wanda leaving school?
(a) Wanda Petronski
(b) Wanda’s mother
(c) Mr. Jan Petronski (Wanda’s father)
(d) Wanda’s brother Jake
Ans: (c) Mr. Jan Petronski (Wanda’s father)
Q2. What did Mr. Petronski’s letter convey?
(a) Wanda was not well
(b) Wanda would not attend school anymore
(c) The family was moving to a big city
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans: (d) Both (b) and (c)
Q3. How did Miss Mason feel about the situation?
(a) Angry
(b) Unhappy and upset
(c) Happy
(d) Indifferent
Ans: (b) Unhappy and upset
Q4. What did Maddie think of herself after Mr. Petronski’s letter was read?
(a) A hero
(b) Lucky
(c) A coward
(d) Grateful
Ans: (c) A coward
Q5. Who was Miss Mason?
(a) The principal
(b) The mathematics teacher
(c) The class teacher of Room Thirteen
(d) The drawing teacher
Ans: (c) The class teacher of Room Thirteen
Q6. What was just as bad as what Peggy had done?
(a) Maddie teasing Wanda
(b) Maddie staying silent while Peggy teased Wanda
(c) Maddie fighting with Wanda
(d) Maddie ignoring Miss Mason
Ans: (b) Maddie staying silent while Peggy teased Wanda
Q7. Where was Wanda’s house located?
(a) Near the school
(b) On top of a hill (Boggins Heights)
(c) By the river
(d) In the forest
Ans: (b) On top of a hill (Boggins Heights)
Q8. What was the description of Wanda’s house?
(a) A little white house
(b) A big white house
(c) A small green cottage
(d) A tiny red hut
Ans: (a) A little white house
Q9. What excuses did Peggy make for her behaviour?
(a) She never called Wanda a foreigner
(b) She thought Wanda was too dumb to know they were teasing
(c) Her questions may have inspired Wanda’s drawings
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d) All of the above
Q10. What important decision did Maddie make?
(a) To unfriend Peggy immediately
(b) To visit Wanda in the big city
(c) To never remain silent when someone is being bullied
(d) To leave school
Ans: (c) To never remain silent when someone is being bullied
Q11. How did the girls contact Wanda after she moved?
(a) Phone call
(b) Letter
(c) Email
(d) They visited her
Ans: (b) Letter
Q12. What did Peggy and Maddie write in their letter to Wanda?
(a) A direct apology
(b) About her drawings and winning the contest
(c) Asked about her new city and school
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans: (d) Both (b) and (c)
Q13. Who was more anxious for a reply from Wanda?
(a) Peggy
(b) Maddie
(c) Miss Mason
(d) All of them equally
Ans: (b) Maddie
Q14. What colour was the dress in the drawing Wanda gave to Peggy?
(a) Red
(b) Green with red trimming
(c) Blue
(d) White
Ans: (b) Green with red trimming
Q15. What colour was the dress in the drawing Wanda gave to Maddie?
(a) Green
(b) Red
(c) Blue
(d) Yellow
Ans: (c) Blue
Q16. What did Maddie notice when she studied her drawing intently?
(a) The dress was not well drawn
(b) Wanda had drawn Maddie’s face on the dress
(c) Wanda had written a note on the back
(d) The colours were fading
Ans: (b) Wanda had drawn Maddie’s face on the dress
Q17. What was the tone of Wanda’s reply letter?
(a) Angry and resentful
(b) Friendly and warm
(c) Cold and formal
(d) Sad and complaining
Ans: (b) Friendly and warm
Q18. What was Maddie’s reaction on receiving the drawing?
(a) Happy and excited
(b) Indifferent
(c) Emotional and tearful
(d) Angry
Ans: (c) Emotional and tearful
Q19. What did Peggy infer from the drawing Wanda gave them?
(a) Wanda was a good artist
(b) Wanda liked them
(c) Wanda hated them
(d) Wanda was copying others
Ans: (b) Wanda liked them
Q20. When did Wanda’s reply letter arrive?
(a) The next day
(b) After a week
(c) Near Christmas
(d) On New Year’s Day
Ans: (c) Near Christmas
Q21. What was used to decorate the classroom for Christmas?
(a) Bells
(b) A Christmas tree
(c) Both bells and a tree
(d) Only flowers
Ans: (c) Both bells and a tree
Q22. Why did the girls think Wanda would not reply to their letter?
(a) She didn’t know how to write
(b) She didn’t have their address
(c) She must have been sad and angry with them
(d) She didn’t receive the letter
Ans: (c) She must have been sad and angry with them
Q23. What does “picking on someone” mean?
(a) Unfairly criticizing or bullying them
(b) Choosing someone for a team
(c) Helping someone
(d) Following someone
Ans: (a) Unfairly criticizing or bullying them
Q24. What else was mentioned in Mr. Petronski’s letter besides moving?
(a) Wanda’s drawings
(b) Wanda’s medal
(c) The school’s reputation
(d) Their funny name being made fun of
Ans: (d) Their funny name being made fun of
Q25. The grass along the pathway to Wanda’s house looked like:
(a) Puppies
(b) Snakes
(c) Kittens
(d) Monkeys
Ans: (c) Kittens
Value-Based Questions
Q1. What values does Wanda’s character teach us? How can we apply these values in our daily lives?
Ans: Wanda’s character teaches us several important values:
Forgiveness: Despite being teased and humiliated by her classmates, Wanda chose to forgive rather than hold grudges. She responded to cruelty with kindness by gifting her beautiful drawings to the very girls who bullied her. This teaches us that forgiveness is not weakness but a sign of great inner strength.
Dignity in adversity: Wanda maintained her composure and dignity even when she was being mocked daily. She never cried, complained, or retaliated. This teaches us to remain calm and dignified even in difficult situations.
Generosity: Wanda generously gifted her artwork to others, even though she had nothing else to give. Her generosity was not of material wealth but of talent and kindness, showing that true generosity comes from the heart.
In our daily lives, we can apply these values by choosing to forgive those who hurt us, by maintaining our self-respect in challenging situations, and by being generous and kind to others regardless of how they treat us. We should judge people by their character and abilities, not by their appearance, name, or economic status. If we encounter someone being bullied or marginalized, we should have the courage to speak up and offer support.
Q2. Maddie decides that she will never be a silent bystander again. What does this teach us about our responsibility towards others? Discuss with examples from real life.
Ans: Maddie’s decision teaches us a crucial lesson about social responsibility – that remaining silent in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. When we see someone being bullied, discriminated against, or treated unfairly and we choose to stay silent, we are indirectly supporting the wrongdoing. Our silence gives the bully confidence and leaves the victim feeling isolated and helpless.
Maddie realized that her silence was “just as bad as what Peggy had done.” This is a powerful lesson for all of us. In our schools, workplaces, and communities, we often witness instances of bullying, discrimination, and injustice. Many of us, like Maddie, remain silent because we fear the consequences of speaking up – we might lose friends, become targets ourselves, or be seen as troublemakers. But Maddie’s story shows us that the cost of silence is far greater than the cost of speaking up.
In real life, this value can be applied in many situations. If we see a classmate being bullied for their appearance, name, or background, we should speak up and defend them. If we see someone being treated unfairly in public, we should intervene or seek help. We should support those who are being marginalized and make them feel included.
Maddie’s decision reminds us that we all have a moral responsibility to stand up for what is right. True courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. Every time we choose to speak up against injustice, we make the world a better, kinder, and more just place.
Q3. The story highlights the consequences of bullying. What message does it give to students about treating others with respect and empathy?
Ans: “The Hundred Dresses” delivers a powerful message about the consequences of bullying and the importance of treating everyone with respect and empathy. The story shows that what may seem like harmless fun or innocent teasing can have devastating consequences for the victim. Wanda’s family was forced to leave their home and school simply because the children mocked their name and appearance.
The story gives several important messages to students. First, it teaches us to never judge people by their appearance, name, or economic condition. Wanda was judged by her faded dress and unusual name, but she turned out to be the most talented artist in the class. Second, it shows that bullying hurts not only the victim but also the bully and the bystander. Peggy and Maddie both suffered guilt after Wanda left. Third, it teaches us that we should have the empathy to understand how our words and actions affect others. Before saying something hurtful, we should think about how we would feel if someone said the same thing to us.
Fourth, the story shows us that diversity should be celebrated, not mocked. Different names, appearances, and backgrounds make our world richer and more interesting. Fifth, it reminds us that true friendship means standing up for what is right, not following the crowd. Maddie’s failure to defend Wanda cost her peace of mind and taught her a lesson she would never forget.
The story ultimately teaches us that kindness, respect, and empathy are the foundations of a just and compassionate society. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Character Sketches
1. Character Sketch of Wanda Petronski (as revealed in Part II)
In Part II of the story, Wanda Petronski emerges as one of the most admirable characters in English literature for young readers. Though she has physically left the story – having moved to a big city with her family – her presence is felt more powerfully than ever through her drawings and her letter.
Forgiving Nature: Wanda’s most remarkable quality in Part II is her extraordinary capacity for forgiveness. Despite being bullied and humiliated, she responds with a warm, friendly letter that contains no trace of anger or bitterness. She gifts her beautiful drawings to the very girls who teased her.
Generosity: Wanda’s generosity is exceptional. She has very little in terms of material possessions, but she gives away her most prized creations – her hundred dress drawings – to her former classmates. She even personalizes two drawings by including the faces of Peggy and Maddie.
Emotional Maturity: Wanda demonstrates emotional maturity far beyond her age. She understands the dynamics of her relationship with the other girls and responds with grace rather than resentment. Her letter shows warmth and affection, not hostility.
Hidden Depth: Wanda’s character reminds us that still waters run deep. Behind her quiet, stoic exterior lies a world of extraordinary talent, deep feeling, and noble character. She observed her classmates carefully, understood their behaviour, and chose to respond with love.
2. Character Sketch of Maddie (as revealed in Part II)
Maddie undergoes the most significant character development in Part II of the story. She transforms from a passive, fearful bystander into a person of moral conviction.
Guilt and Self-Awareness: Unlike Peggy, Maddie fully acknowledges her role in Wanda’s mistreatment. She recognizes that her silence was “just as bad” as Peggy’s teasing. This self-awareness sets her apart and drives her transformation.
Empathy: Maddie shows deep empathy for Wanda. She thinks about Wanda’s faded dress, her little house, and her difficult life. Being poor herself, she understands Wanda’s pain in a way that Peggy cannot.
Moral Courage: Maddie’s decision to never remain silent again shows tremendous moral courage. She is willing to risk her friendship with Peggy – the most important relationship in her life – to do the right thing.
Emotional Depth: Maddie’s sleepless nights, frightful dreams, and tears when she discovers her face on the drawing show the depth of her emotional world. She feels things deeply and genuinely.
Maddie’s character teaches us that it is never too late to change. Even though she failed to stand up for Wanda, her decision to be different in the future shows genuine growth. She represents the power of conscience and the possibility of moral redemption.
Important Word Meanings
1. Coward – A person who lacks the courage to do or face difficult or dangerous things.
2. Picking on – To repeatedly tease, bully, or unfairly criticize someone.
3. Stood by – Remained present without taking action; was a passive bystander.
4. Lined up – Arranged in a row or line.
5. Thought up – Created or invented (an idea or plan).
6. Took off – Removed (in context of glasses or clothing).
7. Vivid – Intensely deep, bright, or strong in colour; producing powerful feelings or images.
8. Intently – With close, earnest attention or concentration.
9. Hastily – Quickly, hurriedly, with excessive speed.
10. Blurred – Made unclear or indistinct, especially of vision.
11. Wreath – A circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials, hung as a decoration.
12. Holly – An evergreen plant with spiny leaves and red berries, used as a Christmas decoration.
13. Cornucopias – Horn-shaped containers symbolizing abundance; decorative containers.
14. Peppermint sticks – Hard candy sticks flavoured with peppermint, traditionally associated with Christmas.
15. Trimming – Decorative additions or embellishments on clothing or fabric.
16. Sparse – Thinly scattered; not dense or plentiful.
17. Glowing – Shining brightly; radiant with light or colour.
18. Forlorn – Appearing pitifully sad and lonely.
19. Amends – Making up for a wrongdoing; compensation for a loss or injury.
20. Reconciliation – The restoration of friendly relations; coming to terms after a conflict.
Conclusion
“The Hundred Dresses – II” is a deeply moving and thought-provoking conclusion to the story of Wanda Petronski. Through the themes of guilt, forgiveness, moral awakening, and the consequences of bullying, the story delivers powerful lessons about empathy, courage, and human dignity. Wanda’s extraordinary act of forgiveness, Maddie’s moral transformation, and the realization that silence in the face of injustice is itself a form of wrongdoing make this chapter essential reading not just for examinations but for life. The story reminds us that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and that true greatness lies in character, talent, and the capacity to forgive.
We hope these solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6 – The Hundred Dresses – II have been helpful for your HSLC exam preparation. For more chapter-wise solutions, visit hslcguru.com.