English - Class 10 First Flight Chapter 5 The Hundred Dresses – I - All About the Chapter
Question and Answer
Where
in the classroom does Wanda sit and why?
Wanda sits at the last seat in the last row of
the classroom. She chooses this seat because it's the farthest from the front
and the closest to the door. Wanda sits there likely because she feels safer
and less noticed in that position. She's a shy and introverted girl who doesn't
want to draw attention to herself, so she tries to stay in the background.
Where does Wanda live? What kind of a place do you
think it is?
Wanda Petronski lives on Boggins
Heights, which is described as a poor neighbourhood in the story. It's likely a
modest and less affluent area, as Wanda's family is portrayed as struggling
financially. The neighborhood might not be as prosperous as some other parts of
town, reflecting the challenges faced by many immigrant families in the early
20th century.
When and Why do Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda’s absence
Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda's
absence when she stops coming to school. This happens after Wanda's family
decides to move away from Flanders. Peggy and Maddie realize Wanda's absence
when they don't see her in class anymore. They become aware of her absence when
they find out that she won't be returning to school. Peggy and Maddie reflect
on this when they discover the portfolio of drawings that Wanda left behind,
realizing the impact of their actions and teasing on Wanda.
What
do you think “to have fun with her” means?
The phrase "to have fun with
her" means that the girls in the class were making fun of Wanda Petronski.
They were teasing her and finding amusement in her claim of having one hundred
beautiful dresses, which they believed to be untrue. So, in this context,
"to have fun with her" essentially means to mock or tease Wanda.
In what way was Wanda different from the other
children?
Wanda Petronski, the central character
in "The Hundred Dresses - I," was different from the other children
in several ways:
Her Name: Her name, Wanda Petronski,
was different and difficult for her classmates to pronounce, which made her
stand out.
Her Dress: She wore the same faded
blue dress to school every day, unlike the other girls who had a variety of
outfits. This made her conspicuous and a target for teasing.
Her Silence: Wanda was quiet and
reserved, keeping to herself most of the time. She didn't actively participate
in class discussions or engage in conversations with her peers.
Her Claim: Wanda claimed to have one
hundred beautiful dresses at home, which seemed unbelievable to her classmates.
They couldn't fathom how someone who wore the same dress every day could own so
many dresses.
These differences, particularly her
dress and her claim about the dresses, became a source of curiosity and,
unfortunately, teasing and bullying by some of the other children.
Did Wanda have a hundred dresses? Why do you
think she said she did?
In the story "The Hundred Dresses
- I," Wanda claimed to have a hundred dresses, but it is strongly
suggested that she did not actually have that many dresses. Wanda's assertion
about having a hundred dresses can be understood as a way for her to seek
acceptance and fit in with her classmates. She might have said this to gain
popularity or to avoid the embarrassment of admitting that she only had one
dress, which she wore every day to school. Wanda's claim was likely an attempt
to protect herself from the teasing and bullying she experienced due to her
different background and circumstances.
Why is Maddie embarrassed by the questions
Peggy asks Wanda? Is she also like Wanda, or is she different?
In the chapter "The Hundred
Dresses - I" from the book "First Flight," Maddie is embarrassed
by the questions Peggy asks Wanda because Peggy's questions are unkind and
mocking. Peggy is questioning Wanda about her claim of having one hundred
dresses, which she believes to be false. Peggy's intent is to make fun of Wanda
and embarrass her in front of the class.
Maddie, on the other hand, feels
uncomfortable and guilty about Peggy's behavior. She knows that Wanda is
different from Peggy and the other students because Wanda is a quiet and
introverted girl who doesn't have many friends. Maddie herself is not like
Peggy; she is more empathetic and kind-hearted. She recognizes that Wanda's
claims may be a result of her desire to fit in and be accepted by her classmates.
So, while Maddie is embarrassed by
Peggy's questions, she is also different from Peggy in that she feels empathy
and compassion for Wanda. Maddie is torn between her desire to be accepted by
the popular crowd, led by Peggy, and her conscience, which tells her that
Peggy's behavior is hurtful and wrong. This internal conflict is a central
theme in the chapter and serves as a powerful lesson about the importance of
empathy and standing up against bullying.
Why didn’t Maddie ask Peggy to stop teasing Wanda?
What was she afraid of?
In the chapter "The Hundred
Dresses - I" from the book "First Flight," Maddie doesn't ask
Peggy to stop teasing Wanda because she is afraid of becoming the next target
of Peggy's bullying. Maddie fears that if she intervenes or stands up for
Wanda, she might face the same kind of ridicule and isolation that Wanda
experiences. Maddie is torn between her conscience, which tells her to be kind
and stand up for what's right, and her fear of being ostracized by the popular
girls, led by Peggy. This fear keeps her from speaking out and defending Wanda.
Who did Maddie think would win the drawing contest? Why?
Maddie thought that Peggy would win
the drawing contest. She believed this because Peggy was an excellent artist
and always won art competitions in their school. Maddie assumed that Peggy's
artistic skills would surely make her the winner in the drawing contest.
However, as the story unfolds, Maddie comes to realize that there is more to
being a winner than just artistic talent, and she begins to question her own
assumptions and values.
Who won the drawing contest? What had the
winner drawn?
In the chapter "The Hundred
Dresses - I" from the book "First Flight," it's not explicitly
mentioned who won the drawing contest, and the specific drawing by the winner
is not described in detail. Wanda Petronski, the Polish girl who claimed to
have one hundred dresses, was the one who entered the drawing contest. However,
she did not participate in the contest, so there is no winner or description of
the winning drawing in this chapter.
How is Wanda seen as different by the other
girls? How do they treat her?
In the chapter "The Hundred
Dresses - I" from the book "First Flight," Wanda Petronski, a
Polish immigrant, is seen as different by the other girls in several ways:
Economic
Background: Wanda comes from a poor immigrant family, and her clothes are not
as fashionable or as well-kept as those of her classmates. She wears the same
faded blue dress to school every day.
Introverted
Nature: Wanda is introverted and quiet. She keeps to herself and doesn't
engage in social activities with her classmates.
The other girls treat Wanda
differently due to these perceived differences. They:
Tease
and Bully Her: Some of the girls, particularly Peggy and Maddie, tease and bully
Wanda because of her clothing and her claims of having one hundred beautiful
dresses. They find it hard to believe her and make fun of her.
Exclude
Her: They don't include Wanda in their social activities, and she
often sits alone in the classroom.
Question
Her Claims: The girls question the authenticity of Wanda's claims about her
dresses, thinking she is making up stories to fit in.
Overall, Wanda is treated as an
outsider by her classmates due to her perceived differences, and this treatment
leads to the central theme of the story, highlighting the importance of empathy
and kindness.
Wanda feels very excited about the
dresses game. She says that she has a hundred dresses because she wants to be
accepted and fit in with her classmates. Wanda is a Polish immigrant, and she
wears the same faded blue dress to school every day. She's teased and bullied
by some of her classmates, particularly Peggy, for her dress. In an attempt to
gain approval and avoid being made fun of, she claims to have one hundred
beautiful dresses at home. She hopes that by sharing this, her classmates will
like her and stop teasing her about her single dress. Wanda's statement about
the dresses is a reflection of her desire to be included and accepted by her
peers.
Why does Maddie stand by and does not do
anything? How is she different from Peggy? or (was Peggy’s friendship important
to Maddie? Why? Which lines in the text tell you this?)
Maddie stands by and does not do
anything to stop the teasing and bullying of Wanda Petronski. This is because
Maddie is different from Peggy. Peggy is initially one of the girls who teases
Wanda about her claim of having one hundred dresses. However, as the story
unfolds, Maddie begins to feel guilty about her complicity in the teasing,
while Peggy does not show remorse for her actions.
Maddie's inaction stems from her
friendship with Peggy. She values her friendship with Peggy, and this is why
she doesn't take a stand against the teasing earlier in the story. She is torn
between her loyalty to Peggy and her growing empathy for Wanda's situation. She
realizes the cruelty of their actions but is hesitant to confront Peggy and
risk damaging their friendship.
The text suggests Maddie's internal
conflict when it mentions, "Maddie thought about this a great deal."
This line indicates that Maddie is reflecting on her actions and the
consequences of her silence. It also hints at her growing understanding of the
importance of standing up against bullying and being empathetic.
In summary, Maddie initially doesn't
do anything to stop the bullying of Wanda because she values her friendship
with Peggy. However, as the story progresses, she begins to feel guilty and
recognizes the significance of standing up against cruelty and being
compassionate, even at the cost of her friendship with Peggy.
What does Miss Mason think of Wanda’s drawings?
What do the children think of them? How do you know?
Miss Mason, the teacher, thinks highly of Wanda's
drawings. She admires Wanda's artistic talent and believes that Wanda has a
unique ability to create beautiful dresses.
On the
other hand, the children in the class initially did not share Miss Mason's
appreciation for Wanda's drawings. They were skeptical about Wanda's claim of
having one hundred dresses and thought she was making up stories to fit in.
They believed that Wanda was trying to impress them with her drawings and
dresses.
We know
this because in the chapter, the children, particularly Peggy and Maddie,
questioned Wanda about her one hundred dresses. They teased her and doubted the
truth of her claim. However, their perspectives change later in the story when
they discover a portfolio filled with Wanda's drawings after she and her family
move away. This discovery reveals the truth about Wanda's talent and the
children's misunderstanding of her.
Combine
the following to make sentences.
1. This is the bus (what kind of
bus?). It goes to Agra, (use which or that).
2. I would like to buy, (a) shirt
(which shirt?) (The) shirt is in the shop window, (use which or that)
3. You must break your fast at a
particular time (when?). You see the moon in the sky. (use when)
4. Find a word (what kind of word?).
It begins with the letter Z, (use which or that)
5. Now find a person (what kind of
person ?) His or her name begins with the letter Z. (use whose)
6. Then go to a place (what place?).
There are no people whose name begins with Z in that place, (use where)
Answers:
1. This is the bus that goes to Agra.
2. I would like to buy a shirt that is
in the shop window.
3. You must break your fast at a
particular time when you see the moon in the sky."
This implies that the fast should be
broken in the evening when the moon becomes visible in the sky.
4. Find a word that begins with letter
Z. .
Here's the sentence:
"Wanda had a zealous love for
drawing, and she spent hours creating beautiful sketches of dresses."
In this sentence, "zealous"
is an adjective describing Wanda's love for drawing, and you can use
"that" or "which" to connect clauses, like this:
"Wanda had a zealous love for
drawing, which she spent hours creating beautiful sketches of dresses."
or
"Wanda had a zealous love for
drawing that she spent hours creating beautiful sketches of dresses."
5. Find a person whose name begins
with the letter Z.
6. Then go to a place where there are
no people whose name begins with letter Z.
In the chapter "The Hundred
Dresses - I," there's a part where Peggy asks Wanda to provide a list of
names of the hundred dresses she claims to have. Wanda responds by saying:
"Then go to a place (what
place?). There are no people whose name begins with Z in that place, (use
where)."
Wanda is essentially telling Peggy to
go to a place where there are no people with names starting with 'Z' to verify
her claim. This is Wanda's way of insisting that she indeed has one hundred
dresses and there are no children with names starting with 'Z' where she used
to live.
Question 2.
The Narrative Voice Here are two other sentences
from the story. Can you say whose point of view the italicised words express?
1. But on Wednesday, Peggy and Maddie, who sat
down in front with other children who got good marks and who didn’t track in a
whole lot of mud, did notice that Wanda wasn’t there.
2. Wanda Petronski. Most of the children in room
thirteen didn’t have names like that. They had names easy to say, like Thomas,
Smith or Allen.
Answer
The italicized words express the point
of view of the narrator or the third-person omniscient narrator.
The narrator provides an objective
viewpoint and describes the actions, thoughts, and feelings of multiple
characters, including Peggy, Maddie, and Wanda, without being a part of the
story's events themselves. This allows readers to gain insights into the
characters' perspectives and the overall story
Question 3.
Other
such adverbs are apparently, evidently, surprisingly, possibly, hopefully,
incredibly, luckily. Use these words appropriately in the blanks in the
sentences below. (You may use a word more than once and more than one word may
be appropriate for a given blank.)
1. ____, he finished his work on time.
2. ____, it will not rain on the day of the match.
3. ____, he had been stealing money from his
employer.
4. Television is ____ to blame for the increase in
violence in society,
5. The children will ____ learn from their
mistakes.
6. I can’t ____ lend you that much money.
7. The thief had ____ been watching the house for
many days.
8. The thief ____ escaped by bribing the jailor.
9. ____no one had suggested this before.
10. The water was ____hot.
Here are the appropriate adverbs
filled in the blanks for the sentences:
Surprisingly, he finished his work on
time.
Hopefully, it will not rain on the day
of the match.
Evidently, he had been stealing money
from his employer.
Television is partially to blame for
the increase in violence in society.
The children will eventually learn
from their mistakes.
I can’t possibly lend you that much
money.
The thief had apparently been watching
the house for many days.
The thief possibly escaped by bribing
the jailor.
Surprisingly, no one had suggested
this before.
The water was incredibly hot.
Wanda is different from the other students. She comes from a poor immigrant family, wears the same faded blue dress to school every day, and keeps to herself. She is also the target of teasing and bullying by some of her classmates, particularly Peggy and Maddie.
Wanda's uniqueness lies in her claim that she has one hundred beautiful dresses at home. She says this when asked about her dress, which she wears every day. However, her classmates find it difficult to believe her and think she's just making up stories to fit in.
As the story progresses, Maddie feels guilty for not standing up to Peggy when she teases Wanda. She knows that Wanda's claim of having one hundred dresses is probably not true. This guilt haunts her.
One day, a letter arrives at school for Wanda. It's an invitation to a drawing contest, where the winning entry will be featured in a prestigious fashion magazine. Wanda is thrilled and excited about the opportunity. However, she never participates in the contest.
Soon after, Wanda's family moves away from Flanders due to the bullying and her classmates' relentless teasing. The class realizes the truth when they discover that Wanda left behind a portfolio filled with drawings of beautiful dresses.
Maddie regrets not standing up for Wanda and not believing her earlier. She realizes the importance of empathy and kindness. The story ends with Maddie and Peggy's reflection on their actions and a desire to be better people.
"The Hundred Dresses - I" is a poignant(affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and touching) story that teaches important lessons about empathy, kindness, and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the need to stand up against bullying and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.
The Polish and American Communities in the United States
The United States is often celebrated as a melting pot of diverse cultures, and one of the prominent communities that has contributed significantly to its rich tapestry (an interesting life) is the Polish community. The history of Polish immigrants in America is a compelling tale of resilience, culture, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Polish immigration to the United States began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Push factors like economic hardship, political unrest, and religious persecution in Poland drove millions of Poles to seek opportunities in the land of liberty. They settled in various regions of the U.S., with particularly significant communities in cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Polish-American community is its commitment to preserving its rich heritage. This is evident in the vibrant Polish festivals, parades, and cultural events held throughout the country. Traditional Polish cuisine, with its delicious pierogies, kielbasa, and paczki (doughnuts), has also found a cherished place in the American culinary scene.
Polish-Americans have made remarkable contributions to American society. Their strong work ethic and dedication have led them to excel in various fields, including politics, science, sports, and the arts. Notable Polish-Americans include former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann, and renowned filmmaker Roman Polanski.
Despite the challenges faced by early Polish immigrants, they have integrated seamlessly into American society while preserving their cultural identity. Polish-American communities maintain close ties with their ancestral homeland and often engage in philanthropic activities to support Polish causes.
The Polish-American experience is emblematic of the broader immigrant story in the United States. It underscores the enduring values of hard work, cultural preservation, and the pursuit of a better life. As part of the diverse American mosaic, the Polish community has left an indelible mark on the nation's history and continues to enrich its cultural fabric. In doing so, they exemplify the strength and resilience of the American dream.
Important Line and Their Meaning
"She twisted her mouth into a crooked sort of smile" describes how someone is smiling in an uneven or lopsided manner. It implies that the smile is not a perfect, symmetrical one but rather has an irregular or skewed appearance. This could indicate that the person is not genuinely happy or is trying to hide their true feelings behind a forced or insincere smile.
The phrase "She came all the way from Boggins Height" is an informal way of saying that someone made a considerable effort to reach a specific place or accomplish something. It implies that the person traveled a long distance or put in a lot of effort to achieve their goal or be present at a certain location.
The phrase "caked with dry mud" means that something is covered or coated with a hardened layer of dirt or soil.
Hopscotch is a traditional children's game that involves hopping or jumping through a series of squares or spaces drawn on the ground. It's typically played with a small object, like a stone, which is thrown into one of the squares, and the player must hop through the course without touching the square with the object. It's a fun and active game that can be enjoyed outdoors.
"Most courteous manner" means behaving in an extremely polite and respectful way. It signifies showing the highest level of courtesy and politeness in one's actions and interactions.
The phrase "giving one of her friends a nudge" typically means gently and discreetly encouraging or prompting one of her friends to do something or to pay attention to something. It implies a subtle form of encouragement or reminder.
Incredulously means to do something with disbelief or skepticism. It's often used when someone reacts to information or a situation with surprise and doubt.
Stolidly is an adverb that means in a calm, unemotional, and unresponsive manner. It describes someone who remains impassive or shows little emotion even in situations where one might expect a more animated or expressive reaction.
In short, the phrase "They couldn't help bursting into shrieks and peals of laughter" means they couldn't control themselves and suddenly started laughing loudly and uncontrollably.
In simple terms, "Cries of Exaggerated Politeness greeted this" means that people responded to something with overly polite or exaggerated expressions of courtesy and politeness.
Exaggerated expression means showing or describing something in a way that makes it seem much larger, more intense, or more important than it actually is. It's like making something "bigger" or "more dramatic" than it really needs to be.
Hitching means to attach or connect something, like a trailer or a horse, to a vehicle. It's often used when you're joining two things together for a journey or a ride. For example, you might hitch a trailer to your car before going on a road trip.
What is the meaning in short of the word/phrase "Cries of Exaggerated Politiness greeted this"