“The Hundred Dresses – I” by Eleanor Estes, found in the First Flight textbook for Class 10, narrates the story of a young Polish girl named Wanda Petronski. She is ridiculed by her classmates for claiming to have a hundred dresses, despite wearing the same faded blue dress every day. The story, told through the perspective of her classmate Maddie, explores themes of bullying, prejudice, and the impact of peer pressure.
Summary of “The Hundred Dresses – I”
Wanda Petronski, a quiet girl of Polish descent, lives in Boggins Heights and attends a school where she is teased by her classmates for her claim of owning a hundred beautiful dresses. Every day, Wanda wears the same worn-out blue dress, making her claim seem implausible. The primary instigators of this teasing are Peggy, the most popular girl in school, and Maddie, her close friend. Although Maddie feels uncomfortable with the teasing, she does not stand up for Wanda, fearing she might become the next target.
The teasing continues until Wanda stops coming to school. The class learns from a letter by Wanda’s father that the Petronski family has moved to a bigger city to escape the prejudice they faced. This revelation brings a sense of guilt and regret, especially to Maddie, who reflects on her silence during the bullying.
Themes in “The Hundred Dresses – I”
Bullying and Prejudice
The story starkly portrays the effects of bullying and the prejudices faced by immigrants. Wanda’s experience highlights the cruelty children can inflict and the deep emotional scars it can leave.
Empathy and Regret
Maddie’s internal struggle and subsequent regret for not defending Wanda illustrate the importance of empathy and standing up against injustice. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on others.
Characters in “The Hundred Dresses – I”
Wanda Petronski
Wanda is a reserved and kind-hearted girl who becomes the target of her classmates’ mockery. Her claim of owning a hundred dresses is a manifestation of her rich imagination and longing for acceptance.
Maddie
Maddie is Peggy’s best friend, who, despite her discomfort with the teasing, remains silent out of fear. Her character represents the bystanders in bullying scenarios, and her eventual remorse signifies the importance of taking a stand.
Peggy
Peggy, the main perpetrator of the teasing, is unaware of the pain she causes Wanda. Her character exemplifies how societal attitudes and peer dynamics can lead to insensitive behavior.
Literary Devices in “The Hundred Dresses – I”
Symbolism
- The Hundred Dresses: Symbolize Wanda’s dreams and her way of coping with the exclusion and poverty she faces.
- The Blue Dress: Represents Wanda’s reality and the stark contrast between her dreams and her actual life.
Imagery
Estes uses vivid imagery to describe the dresses Wanda claims to own, making them seem real and highlighting the power of imagination.
Tone
The tone of the story is reflective and poignant, with an underlying message about kindness and acceptance.
Conclusion
“The Hundred Dresses – I” is a powerful narrative that deals with the themes of bullying, prejudice, and the importance of empathy. Through Wanda’s story, readers are encouraged to reflect on their actions and the importance of standing up for what is right. This detailed analysis aims to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story’s message and its relevance in today’s context.