CBSE Class 10 English – First Flight
Chapter 6: The Hundred Dresses–II
20 Important Questions and Answers
As per CBSE 2026–27 Syllabus
1. Why did Wanda’s father decide to remove his children from the school?
Answer:
Wanda’s father decided to remove Wanda and Jake from the school because they were constantly teased for their unusual Polish surname. He felt hurt that his children had to face ridicule and discrimination because of their identity. In his letter to Miss Mason, he mentioned that they were moving to a big city where nobody would make fun of their names. This decision shows how deeply the family was affected by the behaviour of the students. The incident highlights the harmful effects of bullying and prejudice. It also teaches that people should be respected regardless of their background, culture, or appearance.
2. How did Miss Mason react after reading Wanda’s father’s letter?
Answer:
Miss Mason was deeply saddened after reading Wanda’s father’s letter. She realized that the teasing faced by Wanda had caused emotional pain and forced the family to leave. Speaking softly to the class, she reminded the students that it was wrong to hurt someone because of a strange or unfamiliar name. She wanted the children to understand the seriousness of their actions and reflect on their behaviour. Instead of scolding them harshly, she encouraged them to think about the consequences of thoughtless remarks. Her reaction reflects her wisdom and concern for her students’ moral growth and sensitivity towards others.
3. Why was Maddie disturbed after hearing the letter?
Answer:
Maddie was disturbed because she felt guilty for not standing up for Wanda when Peggy and other girls teased her. Although Maddie never laughed at Wanda or directly insulted her, she remained silent and allowed the teasing to continue. After hearing the letter, she realized that silence in the face of injustice was also wrong. She blamed herself for being a coward and wished she had shown more courage. Maddie understood that her fear of losing Peggy’s friendship had prevented her from doing the right thing. This realization troubled her deeply and led to a change in her attitude and behaviour.
4. Why did Peggy and Maddie go to Boggins Heights?
Answer:
Peggy and Maddie went to Boggins Heights because they wanted to meet Wanda and apologize for their behaviour. Maddie especially felt guilty and hoped to tell Wanda that they admired her talent and that she had won the drawing contest. The girls also wanted Wanda to know that they had never intended to hurt her feelings. They hurried through the cold weather, hoping the family had not left yet. However, when they reached Wanda’s house, they found it empty. Although they could not meet her, the visit showed their regret and their desire to correct their mistake before it was too late.
5. What did Peggy think about her behaviour towards Wanda?
Answer:
Peggy believed that she had never intentionally hurt Wanda. She said that she had never called Wanda a foreigner or mocked her directly because of her background. Peggy considered Wanda a quiet and unusual girl and thought their questions about the hundred dresses were only harmless fun. She did not realize that Wanda was hurt by these remarks. Peggy was surprised to learn that Wanda understood she was being mocked. Although Peggy felt sorry after Wanda left, she found it difficult to accept that her actions had caused pain. Her reaction shows how people sometimes fail to recognize the effects of their behaviour on others.
6. What important decision did Maddie take that night?
Answer:
That night, Maddie could not sleep because she kept thinking about Wanda and her own silence. After deep reflection, she made an important decision. She resolved that she would never again stand by and watch someone being teased or treated unfairly. If she saw anyone being bullied because of their appearance, name, or background, she would speak up, even if it meant losing Peggy’s friendship. This decision marked a turning point in her character. Maddie learned that remaining silent during injustice is also a form of wrongdoing. Her resolution reflects personal growth, courage, and moral responsibility.
7. Why did Peggy and Maddie write a letter to Wanda?
Answer:
Peggy and Maddie wrote a letter to Wanda because they wanted to reconnect with her after she had left. They congratulated her on winning the drawing contest and praised her beautiful designs. Though they wished to express their regret, they found it difficult to write a direct apology. Instead, they wrote a friendly letter asking how she liked her new home and school. Through this letter, they hoped Wanda would understand that they admired her talent and wanted to make peace with her. The letter represented their attempt to repair the damage caused by their earlier behaviour.
8. What was the significance of Wanda’s reply?
Answer:
Wanda’s reply was significant because it revealed her generous and forgiving nature. She wrote that the girls could keep the hundred dress drawings because she had many new dresses in her new home. She also gifted a special drawing to Peggy and another to Maddie. Instead of expressing anger or bitterness, Wanda responded with kindness and goodwill. Her letter showed that she had moved beyond the hurt caused by the teasing. It also made Peggy and Maddie realize how noble and understanding Wanda was. The reply teaches the value of forgiveness and the strength of a compassionate heart.
9. How did Wanda show that she had forgiven Peggy and Maddie?
Answer:
Wanda showed her forgiveness through her Christmas letter and gifts. She did not mention the teasing or blame anyone for her suffering. Instead, she warmly addressed her classmates and gifted specific dress drawings to Peggy and Maddie. Her thoughtful gesture demonstrated that she held no grudges against them. By sharing her treasured artwork, Wanda expressed kindness and affection despite the way she had been treated. Her actions reflected maturity, generosity, and emotional strength. Through this act of forgiveness, Wanda taught an important lesson about understanding others and responding to hurt with grace rather than resentment.
10. Why did Maddie cry after seeing the drawing?
Answer:
Maddie cried because she realized that Wanda had drawn her face in the picture gifted to her. Looking closely at the drawing, she noticed that the features resembled her own. This discovery touched her deeply because it showed that Wanda had thought about her with affection despite the teasing. Maddie felt emotional as she understood the kindness and forgiveness hidden behind the gift. She regretted not being a better friend to Wanda when she had the chance. The drawing became a symbol of Wanda’s goodness and Maddie’s guilt, making her realize the true impact of her silence.
11. What does Wanda’s character teach us?
Answer:
Wanda’s character teaches us important values such as patience, humility, kindness, and forgiveness. Despite being mocked and isolated by her classmates, she never reacted with anger or revenge. Instead, she expressed herself through her artistic talent and eventually forgave those who had hurt her. Wanda remained dignified throughout her difficulties and proved her worth through hard work and creativity. Her ability to forgive Peggy and Maddie reflects her generous nature. The story encourages readers to respect people from different backgrounds and avoid judging others based on appearance, language, or social status.
12. How does Maddie change by the end of the story?
Answer:
At the beginning, Maddie lacks the courage to oppose Peggy’s teasing of Wanda. Although she feels uncomfortable, she remains silent because she fears losing her friendship with Peggy. However, Wanda’s departure fills her with guilt and self-reflection. She realizes that remaining silent was wrong and decides to become more courageous. By the end of the story, Maddie is determined never to ignore injustice again. She understands the importance of speaking up for those who are treated unfairly. This transformation makes her a stronger and more responsible person who values kindness and fairness above social approval.
13. Why is the title “The Hundred Dresses” important?
Answer:
The title “The Hundred Dresses” is important because it symbolizes Wanda’s imagination, talent, and hidden dignity. At first, the claim that she owned a hundred dresses seemed unbelievable and became a reason for classmates to tease her. Later, when Wanda displayed one hundred beautiful dress designs and won the contest, everyone realized that her statement had a deeper meaning. The dresses represented her creativity and dreams rather than actual possessions. The title also highlights the mistake of judging people without understanding them. It reminds readers that true worth lies in talent, character, and imagination, not material wealth.
14. What lesson does the chapter teach about bullying?
Answer:
The chapter teaches that bullying can cause deep emotional pain and long-lasting consequences. Wanda was constantly teased because of her name, background, and claims about her dresses. Although the teasing seemed harmless to some students, it hurt Wanda and eventually contributed to her leaving the school. The story shows that even silent spectators share responsibility when they fail to stop unfair behaviour. Through Maddie’s guilt and Wanda’s departure, readers learn that words and actions can affect others profoundly. The chapter encourages empathy, respect, and the courage to oppose bullying whenever it occurs.
15. Why is Maddie considered the moral centre of the story?
Answer:
Maddie is considered the moral centre of the story because she represents the struggle between knowing what is right and finding the courage to do it. Unlike Peggy, she understands that Wanda is being hurt by the teasing. However, she remains silent due to fear and insecurity. After Wanda leaves, Maddie honestly examines her own actions and feels genuine remorse. Her reflections help readers understand the importance of moral courage. Through her growth and determination to stand against injustice in the future, Maddie becomes the character who learns the story’s most important lesson about responsibility and compassion.
16. Describe the significance of the empty house at Boggins Heights.
Answer:
The empty house at Boggins Heights symbolizes lost opportunities and regret. Peggy and Maddie go there hoping to meet Wanda and apologize in person. However, when they arrive, they find no sign of life. The family has already moved away. This moment makes the girls realize that they cannot easily undo the hurt they have caused. The empty house becomes a reminder that kindness should not be delayed because chances to make things right may disappear forever. It also intensifies Maddie’s guilt and helps her understand the consequences of remaining silent when someone is treated unfairly.
17. How does Eleanor Estes highlight the theme of forgiveness?
Answer:
Eleanor Estes highlights forgiveness through Wanda’s actions after leaving the school. Instead of blaming her classmates, Wanda writes a warm Christmas letter and gifts her beautiful drawings to Peggy and Maddie. Her response is filled with kindness rather than resentment. By forgiving those who mocked her, Wanda demonstrates emotional maturity and strength. Her generosity surprises the girls and makes them realize their mistakes. The author shows that forgiveness can heal emotional wounds and inspire positive change in others. Through Wanda’s example, readers learn that kindness and understanding are often more powerful than anger or revenge.
18. Why did Maddie feel that she could never really make things right?
Answer:
Maddie felt that she could never truly make things right because Wanda had already left before she could apologize personally. Although she and Peggy wrote a letter, Maddie believed that words on paper could not completely erase the hurt caused by months of teasing and silence. She regretted not defending Wanda when it mattered most. Even after receiving Wanda’s kind letter, Maddie continued to feel sad because she knew she might never see Wanda again. Her feelings show that some mistakes leave lasting emotional effects and that acting at the right time is very important.
19. Compare Peggy and Maddie’s reactions to Wanda’s departure.
Answer:
Both Peggy and Maddie felt sorry after Wanda left, but their reactions were different. Peggy believed that she had never intended to hurt Wanda and found it difficult to understand the seriousness of the situation. She regretted the outcome but quickly moved on. Maddie, however, was deeply affected. She blamed herself for remaining silent and repeatedly thought about Wanda’s feelings. Maddie’s guilt led her to examine her behaviour and make a promise to stand against injustice in the future. Thus, while Peggy felt regret, Maddie experienced genuine self-reflection and personal growth, making her response more meaningful and transformative.
20. What message does “The Hundred Dresses–II” convey to readers?
Answer:
“The Hundred Dresses–II” conveys a powerful message about empathy, courage, and respect for others. The story shows that teasing and prejudice can deeply hurt people, even when they appear harmless. It also emphasizes that remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing is not acceptable. Through Maddie’s transformation and Wanda’s forgiveness, readers learn the importance of standing up for those who are treated unfairly. The chapter encourages people to value others for their character rather than their appearance, background, or social status. Ultimately, it teaches that kindness, understanding, and moral courage help create a more compassionate society.