The Hundred Dresses

Do any of the characters perform acts of kindness in the novel? If so, who? Which characters do not perform acts of kindness? Why?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt invites students to apply their understanding of kindness and generosity within the context of the novel. Although none of the girls are outwardly kind to Wanda, she still shows graciousness to her classmates by giving Maddie and Peggy personalized drawings of dresses. Maddie grapples with the guilt of bullying Wanda and her awareness that she should not jeopardize her friendship with Peggy, her best friend and the most popular girl in school. Ultimately, she chooses not to reproach Peggy for her bullying and only admits to her guilt when Peggy also suggests visiting Wanda’s house. Peggy does not seem too plagued by guilt and frequently rationalizes her behavior as justifiable in certain contexts. Wanda’s father’s decision to remove Wanda from school is an act of kindness for his daughter, as his protection and love for her indicates both The Damaging Effect of Bullying and Discrimination and The Importance of Respect and Kindness. This prompt works well as an in-class discussion, where students may also be invited to link their responses to the Personal Connection Prompt into their analysis.