CBSE Class 10 English NCERT Solutions: The Hundred Dresses – II

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

CBSE Class 10 English, Chapter 6, "The Hundred Dresses – II," delves into the emotional fallout after Wanda's departure. This chapter explores the characters' reactions to Mr. Petronski's letter, which reveals the truth behind Wanda's situation and her feelings. Miss Mason grapples with the realization of the bullying that occurred, while Maddie experiences profound guilt and a strong desire to make amends. Peggy, initially defensive, begins to question her own actions. The narrative follows Maddie and Peggy as they visit Wanda's home, seeking reconciliation and understanding. The solutions focus on these character developments, the impact of their actions, and the underlying themes of empathy, regret, and the consequences of prejudice. Understanding these elements is crucial for students to grasp the story's message and prepare effectively for their exams.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	6. The Hundred Dresses – II

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for "The Hundred Dresses – II" (Chapter 6) for Class 10 English focus on the comprehension questions. The solutions analyze the impact of Wanda's father's letter, Miss Mason's emotional response, and Maddie's deep remorse and decision to stand against injustice. They also examine Peggy's attempts to rationalize her actions and the significance of the visit to Wanda's home. The chapter's resolution and the girls' letter to Wanda are also discussed, providing a thorough understanding of the story's conclusion and its underlying messages.

Learning outcomes

Understand the reasons behind Wanda's family's departure from school.
Analyze Miss Mason's emotional response to Wanda's situation.
Identify Maddie's feelings of guilt and her subsequent decision to act against bullying.
Evaluate Peggy's justifications for her past behavior towards Wanda.
Interpret the symbolic meaning of Wanda's house and its connection to her character.
Explain the significance of the letter written by Maddie and Peggy to Wanda.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character Analysis: Maddie, Peggy, Miss Mason, Wanda Petronski
Themes: Bullying, Guilt, Empathy, Social Injustice
Plot Development: Aftermath of Wanda's departure
Comprehension Questions and Answers
Moral and Ethical Considerations
Symbolism: Wanda's house, blue dress
Resolution of Conflict
Letter Writing and Communication

Important topics

Maddie's guilt and decision to act
Peggy's justifications and character arc
Miss Mason's role and reaction
The theme of empathy and standing against bullying
The significance of the letter to Wanda

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What did Mr Petronski's letter say?

Solution: Mr. Petronski's letter was addressed to the principal and Miss Mason. It stated that Wanda would no longer be attending their school. The reason given was that Wanda and her family were tired of being subjected to ridicule and bullying at school, particularly because of their last name. They were planning to move to a larger city where they hoped to find a fresh start without facing such discrimination.

Question 2

Is Miss Mason angry with the class, or is she unhappy and upset?

Solution: Miss Mason appears to be unhappy and upset rather than angry. Her reaction suggests disappointment and concern over the students' behavior towards Wanda. She likely never anticipated such actions from her students. Her subsequent request for them to reflect on their behavior indicates a desire for them to understand the impact of their actions and to foster a more compassionate classroom environment.

Question 3

How does Maddie feel after listening to the note from Wanda's father?

Solution: After reading Mr. Petronski's letter, Maddie feels a profound sense of sorrow and shame. Although she herself did not directly participate in making fun of Wanda, she feels guilty for not intervening or stopping Peggy. She recognizes her own inaction and silence as a form of complicity, making her feel like a coward.

Question 4

What does Maddie want to do?

Solution: Maddie is determined to make amends for her past behavior towards Wanda. She wants to apologize to Wanda in person. To do this, she decides to go to Wanda's house at Boggins Heights. Her intention is to explain that the teasing was not meant maliciously and that people actually admired her, hoping to clear the air and seek forgiveness.

Question 5

What excuses does Peggy think of giving in justification of her behaviour? Why?

Solution: Peggy tries to justify her behavior by claiming that her teasing actually motivated Wanda. She suggests that her constant requests for Wanda to design dresses inspired Wanda to create the hundred unique dresses, which ultimately led to Wanda winning the drawing contest. Peggy uses this as a defense mechanism to alleviate her own guilt, framing her actions as unintentionally beneficial.

Question 6

What are Maddie's thoughts as they go to Boggins Heights?

Solution: As Maddie and Peggy journey to Boggins Heights, Maddie is consumed by feelings of shame and remorse. She feels deeply upset and distressed, both for Wanda and for herself, regretting her passive role as a spectator while Peggy humiliated Wanda. She repents for not having the courage to stand up to Peggy and prevent the mistreatment.

Question 7

Why does Wanda's house remind Maddie of Wanda's blue dress?

Solution: Wanda's house, though described as sparse, old, and lacking in grandeur, was meticulously neat and clean. This orderly and simple appearance reminded Maddie of Wanda herself, particularly the simple, faded blue dress that Wanda wore every day to school. Both the house and the dress conveyed a sense of quiet consistency and perhaps a hidden dignity.

Question 8

What does Maddie think hard about? What important decision does she come to?

Solution: Maddie thinks deeply about her own inaction and the injustice Wanda faced. She realizes the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing. Maddie makes a firm decision to never again be a silent spectator to unfair treatment. She promises herself that she will stand up for what is right, even if it means risking her friendship with Peggy.

Question 9

What did the girls write in the letter?

Solution: Maddie and Peggy collaborated on a friendly letter to Wanda. Their primary intention was to apologize for their past behavior. However, the letter evolved into asking Wanda about her new school and teacher. They also informed her that her drawing had won the competition, praising her artistic talent and mentioning that other students admired her artwork. The tone aimed to be that of a normal letter between friends.

Question 10

Did Maddie and Peggy get a reply? Who was more anxious for a reply? How do you know?

Solution: The provided text does not state whether Maddie and Peggy received a reply to their letter. Therefore, it's impossible to determine who was more anxious for a reply based solely on this information.

Common mistakes

Confusing Miss Mason's sadness with anger.
Underestimating Maddie's internal conflict and guilt.
Accepting Peggy's justifications without critical analysis.
Failing to connect Wanda's house to her character and circumstances.

Revision tips

Focus on the emotional journey of Maddie and Peggy after Wanda leaves.
Analyze the character motivations behind each action and reaction.
Consider the theme of empathy and its importance in social interactions.
Review the significance of the letter and its intended message.
Discuss the story's resolution and its implications for the characters.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary reason Mr. Petronski's letter stated for Wanda's absence?

Q2. How did Miss Mason react to the news from Wanda's father?

Q3. What realization did Maddie have about her own behavior?

Q4. What was Maddie's main intention when she decided to go to Boggins Heights?

Q5. How did Wanda's house remind Maddie of Wanda?

Q6. What important decision did Maddie make after thinking hard?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Hundred Dresses – II'?

The main themes of 'The Hundred Dresses – II' are the consequences of bullying, the feelings of guilt and remorse, the importance of empathy, and the courage to stand up against injustice.

How does Maddie's character develop in this chapter?

Maddie undergoes significant development. Initially a follower and silent participant in bullying, she experiences deep guilt and resolves to become an advocate against injustice, showing moral growth.

Why did Wanda's father write the letter to the principal?

Wanda's father wrote the letter to inform the school that Wanda would no longer be attending because she was being consistently bullied and made fun of due to their name and background.

What does the visit to Wanda's house reveal?

The visit to Wanda's house reveals her family's humble circumstances but also their neatness and order. It reinforces Maddie's realization of Wanda's quiet dignity and the cruelty of their past actions.

What is the significance of the drawing competition in the story?

The drawing competition is significant because it highlights Wanda's hidden talent and artistic skill, which Peggy and Maddie later acknowledge. It also serves as a catalyst for their attempt at reconciliation.

How do these NCERT solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to comprehension questions, helping students understand character motivations, plot points, and underlying themes, which is crucial for their English exam preparation.

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