Exploring ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ in NCERT’s ‘First Flight’: A Detailed Study Guide for CBSE and RBSE Class 10 Students

Introduction to Chapter Six: ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ by El Bsor Ester of ‘First Flight’

Chapter Six of the Class X NCERT English textbook ‘First Flight’ presents ‘The Hundred Dresses–II,’ a continuation of El Bsor Ester’s story ‘The Hundred Dresses–I.’ This chapter delves deeper into the aftermath of the events of the first part, focusing on the consequences and reflections of Wanda Petronski’s classmates following their discovery of her talent and the truth about her hundred dresses.

In ‘The Hundred Dresses–II,’ the narrative shifts to the perspective of Wanda’s classmates, primarily Maddie, who grapples with guilt and a newfound understanding of Wanda’s situation. The chapter explores the themes of empathy, regret, and the realization of the impact of one’s actions. It provides a resolution to the story, showing how Wanda’s classmates come to terms with their behavior towards her and the lessons they learn about kindness, acceptance, and the value of seeing beyond appearances.

This chapter is significant in its portrayal of character development and moral introspection, offering young readers insights into the consequences of bullying and the importance of compassion in their interactions with others. It serves as a powerful conclusion to the story of Wanda Petronski and her hundred dresses, leaving a lasting impact on the reader about the importance of empathy and understanding in a diverse world.

Summary of Chapter Six: ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ by El Bsor Ester from ‘First Flight’

Chapter Six, ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’, picks up where the first part left off, focusing on the reactions and reflections of Wanda Petronski’s classmates after they learn about her hundred dresses. The story is primarily seen through the eyes of Maddie, Wanda’s classmate, who feels guilty about not standing up for Wanda.

After Wanda moves away with her family due to the ridicule she faced at school, her teacher reveals that Wanda has won the girls’ drawing contest. The class is stunned to see the beautiful dresses Wanda drew, realizing that her claim of having a hundred dresses was true in her own creative way. The classmates, especially Maddie and Peggy, regret their actions and are deeply affected by the realization of how their teasing impacted Wanda.

Maddie, in particular, resolves to never stand by and say nothing if she sees someone being treated unfairly. She and Peggy decide to write a letter to Wanda, expressing their admiration for her drawings and their regret for their behavior. However, they never receive a reply, leaving them to reflect on their actions and learn a valuable lesson in empathy and kindness.

Multiple Choice Questions for ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’

1. Who feels guilty about teasing Wanda in ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’?

• (a) The teacher
• (b) Maddie
• (c) Peggy
• (d) Both Maddie and Peggy
• Answer: (d) Both Maddie and Peggy

1. What contest did Wanda win in the story?

• (a) A writing contest
• (b) A dress designing contest
• (c) A drawing contest
• (d) A painting contest
• Answer: (c) A drawing contest

1. What did Maddie resolve to do after Wanda left?

• (a) Write a story
• (b) Draw her own dresses
• (c) Never stand by and say nothing against unfair treatment
• (d) Win a drawing contest
• Answer: (c) Never stand by and say nothing against unfair treatment

1. How did Wanda’s classmates feel after seeing her drawings?

• (a) Confused
• (b) Jealous
• (c) Impressed
• (d) Guilty and regretful
• Answer: (d) Guilty and regretful

1. Where did Wanda move to with her family?

• (a) New York City
• (b) A big city
• (c) Another school
• (d) Boggins Heights
• Answer: (b) A big city

1. What did Maddie and Peggy do for Wanda at the end of the story?

• (a) Gave her a gift
• (b) Sent her a letter
• (c) Visited her new house
• (d) Dedicated a song to her
• Answer: (b) Sent her a letter

1. What lesson does ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ primarily teach?

• (a) The importance of winning
• (b) The value of creativity
• (c) The impact of kindness and the consequences of bullying
• (d) How to draw dresses
• Answer: (c) The impact of kindness and the consequences of bullying

1. Who is the author of ‘The Hundred Dresses’ stories?

• (a) Anne Frank
• (b) El Bsor Ester
• (c) Liam O’ Flaherty
• (d) Frederick Forsyth
• Answer: (b) El Bsor Ester

1. What did Wanda’s classmates learn from her?

• (a) How to draw
• (b) The importance of honesty
• (c) The value of empathy and not judging others
• (d) The importance of fashion
• Answer: (c) The value of empathy and not judging others

1. Why didn’t Wanda reply to Maddie and Peggy’s letter?
   • (a) She didn’t receive it
   • (b) She was angry with them
   • (c) The story doesn’t specify
   • (d) She couldn’t write
   • Answer: (c) The story doesn’t specify

Short Answer Questions for ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’

1. Who is the main character in ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’?

• Answer: Wanda Petronski is the main character.

1. What realization do Maddie and Peggy come to in this chapter?

• Answer: They realize the impact of their teasing on Wanda.

1. How many dresses did Wanda draw for the contest?

• Answer: She drew one hundred dresses.

1. Where does Wanda move to in ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’?

• Answer: Wanda moves to a big city with her family.

1. What is the reaction of the class to Wanda’s drawings?

• Answer: The class is amazed and regretful upon seeing them.

1. What theme is prominently depicted in ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’?

• Answer: The story prominently depicts the theme of empathy.

1. How do Maddie and Peggy try to make amends?

• Answer: They write a friendly letter to Wanda.

1. What lesson do Maddie and Peggy learn?

• Answer: They learn the importance of kindness and understanding.

1. What did Wanda’s drawings reveal about her?

• Answer: They revealed her artistic talent and imagination.

1. Why don’t Maddie and Peggy receive a reply to their letter?
   • Answer: The story does not specify why they don’t receive a reply.

Small Questions with Detailed Answers for ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’

1. Discuss the change in Maddie’s perspective towards Wanda throughout the story.

• Answer: Initially indifferent to Wanda’s plight, Maddie’s perspective changes to one of empathy and regret. Witnessing Wanda’s artistic talent and understanding the impact of her own actions, Maddie grows to appreciate Wanda’s uniqueness and feels remorse for not having been kinder to her.

1. Analyze the significance of Wanda’s hundred dresses in the story.

• Answer: Wanda’s hundred dresses symbolize the hidden depths and talents that people possess, regardless of their outward appearance or social status. The dresses also represent Wanda’s dignified response to teasing, showing creativity and strength in the face of adversity.

1. How does ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ address the theme of bullying and its impact?

• Answer: The story addresses bullying by showing the long-lasting regret and guilt felt by the bullies, Maddie and Peggy, upon realizing the hurt they caused. It highlights the importance of empathy and the negative impact that thoughtless words and actions can have on others.

1. What moral lesson does ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ impart to its readers?

• Answer: The story imparts a moral lesson about the importance of kindness, the dangers of judging others by their appearances, and the need to stand up against bullying. It encourages readers to be more empathetic and considerate towards those who are different from them.

Long Questions with In-Depth Answers for ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’

1. Evaluate how ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ contributes to the overall theme of empathy and understanding in ‘First Flight’.

• Answer: ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ significantly contributes to ‘First Flight’s overarching theme of empathy and understanding. Through its depiction of Maddie and Peggy’s journey from ignorance to remorse, the story highlights the impact of empathy in transforming attitudes. It complements the anthology by reinforcing the idea that understanding and kindness towards others, especially those who are different, are crucial. The story serves as a powerful lesson in compassion, making it a vital part of the curriculum to foster social awareness among young readers.

1. Analyze the character development of Maddie in the story and its significance.

• Answer: Maddie’s character development is central to the story’s moral lesson. Initially, she passively participates in teasing Wanda but gradually becomes aware of the implications of her actions. Her growth from a bystander to someone who understands the importance of standing up for others is significant. It illustrates the internal conflict and the moral awakening that often precede behavioral change. Maddie’s transformation encourages readers to reflect on their actions and promotes the development of moral courage and empathy.

1. Discuss the role of Wanda’s dresses as a narrative device in ‘The Hundred Dresses–II’ and their symbolic significance.

• Answer: In ‘The Hundred Dresses–II,’ Wanda’s dresses serve as a pivotal narrative device that reveals her inner world and talent, contrasting sharply with her classmates’ perception of her. Symbolically, the dresses represent individuality, creativity, and the richness of one’s inner life, irrespective of external appearances. They serve as a metaphor for looking beyond the surface to appreciate the unique qualities in everyone. This narrative device effectively challenges the readers’ preconceptions and underscores the story’s message about empathy and the value of diversity.