CBSE Class 10 English Notes: The Hundred Dresses – I
This chapter is the first part of Eleanor Estes’ famous story, which explores friendship, bullying, and empathy through the experiences of Peggy, Wanda, and other children at school. These notes provide a detailed understanding for students.
Summary
- The story is set in a school where Wanda Petronski, a poor Polish girl, is mocked by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day.
- Despite teasing, Wanda claims she owns hundred beautiful dresses at home, which makes the other children laugh.
- The protagonist, Peggy, observes the teasing but does not fully understand the impact it has on Wanda.
- Wanda is quiet and shy; her classmates continue to make fun of her, but she never argues or reacts outwardly.
- The story reflects the cruelty of teasing and the innocence of childhood misunderstandings.
- It ends with a sense of suspense as the truth behind Wanda’s claim about a hundred dresses is yet unknown, setting up for Part II.
Character Sketch
Wanda Petronski
- A shy and poor Polish girl who faces constant teasing.
- Honest and imaginative — her claim of a hundred dresses shows her creativity and dignity.
- Represents innocence, patience, and quiet strength.
Peggy
- The narrator of the story; initially participates in teasing but slowly realizes her mistake.
- Represents the inner conflict of conscience and the capacity for empathy.
Other Children
- Often tease Wanda for her appearance and background.
- Symbolize societal prejudice and lack of understanding at first.
Themes
- Bullying and Empathy: Shows how teasing affects the feelings of the less privileged.
- Friendship and Understanding: Importance of seeing others’ perspectives.
- Poverty and Social Differences: Wanda’s modest background makes her vulnerable to mockery.
- Honesty and Imagination: Wanda’s claim of a hundred dresses shows her hope and imagination.
Important Extracts
“Wanda Petronski had a hundred dresses, but she wore the same faded blue dress every day.”
Introduces Wanda’s situation and sets up the central conflict regarding teasing and social differences.
“Children laughed at her, but Wanda did not answer; she never cried or got angry.”
Highlights Wanda’s dignity and quiet strength in the face of ridicule.
Moral / Lessons
- Do not judge or tease someone for their social background or appearance.
- Empathy and understanding are crucial for building good relationships.
- Creativity and imagination can be a source of inner strength.
- Standing up against bullying helps create a kinder environment.
Vocabulary & Key Terms
- Faded: Worn out or pale in color.
- Poverty: The state of being poor.
- Teasing: Making fun of someone in a hurtful way.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing another person’s feelings.
- Imagination: The ability to form ideas or pictures in the mind.
Exam Tips
- For summary, focus on Wanda’s appearance, the teasing, and her imaginative claim about the hundred dresses.
- For character analysis, describe Wanda’s dignity and Peggy’s conscience.
- For moral questions, emphasize empathy, understanding, and the effects of teasing.