Learning Objectives
- Understand the consequences of bullying on both the victim and the bystander
- Analyse the feelings of guilt and regret in Maddie and Peggy
- Explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and moral courage
- Learn about the importance of standing up against injustice
Key Concepts
Summary
After Wanda's father's letter is read to the class, the teacher announces the results of the drawing and painting contest. Wanda has won the contest for girls by submitting one hundred beautiful drawings of dresses, each unique and exquisitely designed. The class is stunned to realise that Wanda's claim of having a hundred dresses was true in an artistic sense. Peggy and Maddie feel deeply guilty.
They go to Wanda's house at Boggins Heights but find the family has already moved. They write a friendly letter to Wanda, but they carefully avoid mentioning the teasing, only asking if she likes her new school and teacher. Eventually, Wanda writes back through a holiday letter to the class. She says she has a hundred new dresses in her new house and asks the teacher to give her drawings to Peggy and Maddie. On examining the drawings, the girls realise that the faces in their respective drawings resemble their own faces, showing that Wanda had considered them friends despite everything.
Maddie's Transformation
Maddie is the most affected character. She resolves never to be a silent bystander again. She decides that even if it means losing Peggy's friendship, she will stand up for anyone being treated unfairly in the future. This is her moment of moral growth.
Wanda's Generosity
Despite being bullied, Wanda shows no bitterness. She gifts her drawings to the very girls who teased her, and the faces on the drawings suggest she always thought of them as friends. Her generosity and forgiveness are quietly powerful.
Theme
The chapter focuses on guilt, redemption, and forgiveness. It shows that bullying has lasting consequences and that true courage means speaking up for others. Wanda's silent forgiveness and Maddie's resolution to change represent the possibility of growth and moral awakening.
Summary
Part II resolves the story with Wanda's artistic triumph and departure. The hundred dresses turn out to be hundred stunning drawings. Maddie undergoes a moral transformation, resolving never again to remain silent when someone is being mistreated. Wanda's generous gift of her drawings to Peggy and Maddie shows forgiveness and emotional maturity beyond her years.
Important Terms
- Redemption
- The act of making amends for a wrong or finding moral improvement
- Forgiveness
- The act of pardoning an offence; Wanda's response to the bullying she endured
- Moral Courage
- The courage to act rightly despite social pressure; what Maddie resolves to have
Quick Revision
- Wanda wins the drawing contest with 100 beautiful dress designs
- The "hundred dresses" were drawings, not actual dresses; her claim was true artistically
- Peggy and Maddie feel guilty; they write to Wanda but the family has moved
- Wanda gifts her drawings to Peggy and Maddie; the faces resemble theirs
- Maddie resolves to never be a silent bystander again; this is the key takeaway