Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)
1.Who is the poet of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"?
Ogden Nash.
2.Who was Belinda?
Belinda was a little girl who lived in a white house with her pets.
3.Name Belinda’s pets.
Ink - a kitten, Blink - a mouse, Mustard - a dog, Custard - a dragon.
4.What was the colour of the dog?
Mustard was yellow.
5.What was the name of Belinda’s mouse?
The mouse was called Blink.
6.What did Custard always cry for?
He cried for a nice, safe cage.
7.Why did everyone call Custard a coward?
Because he always asked for a safe cage.
8.Who was the bravest according to others?
Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Belinda themselves were thought brave.
9.What did the pets use to do to Custard?
They mocked and teased him.
10.Who entered the house one day?
A pirate entered the house.
11.How did Belinda react when the pirate came?
She cried for help and turned pale with fear.
12.What did Mustard do when the pirate came?
Mustard ran away, barking fearfully.
13.Where did Ink hide?
Ink ran to the bottom of the house.
14.Where did Blink hide?
Blink disappeared into its mouse hole.
15.Who faced the pirate bravely?
Custard, the dragon, faced the pirate bravely.
16.How did Custard fight the pirate?
He clashed his tail, roared, and gobbled up the pirate.
17.What did Custard do after eating the pirate?
He became calm again.
18.What did others do after the pirate was killed?
Belinda embraced him; others praised him.
19.What was the pirate holding in his teeth?
A bright cutlass.
20.What kind of poem is this?
It is a humorous ballad.
Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)
21.Describe Belinda’s house and pets.
Belinda lived in a little white house with her four pets-a black kitten Ink, a grey mouse Blink, a yellow dog Mustard, and a dragon Custard. She also had a red wagon.
22.Why was Custard considered cowardly by others?
He always asked for a safe cage, unlike the others who boasted about their bravery.
23.How is the poem humorous?
Because the so-called brave animals run away from danger while the cowardly dragon acts heroically. The exaggeration and rhyme add humor.
24.What are the poetic devices used in the poem?
Simile, rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and imagery are used.
25.Give two examples of similes from the poem.
"Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears." and "Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage."
26.What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The rhyme scheme generally follows aabb.
27.How did Custard prove his bravery?
He killed the pirate fearlessly when everyone else ran away.
28.What does the poem teach us about appearances?
It teaches that real courage is seen through actions, not claims.
29.Why is the poem called "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"?
Because it narrates the story of Custard, the dragon who proved to be the true hero.
30.Why did Belinda tickle Custard?
She teased him because she thought he was cowardly.
31.What poetic device is used in ‘mouth like a fireplace’?
Simile.
32.Describe the pirate briefly.
He had pistols in each hand, a cutlass in his teeth, black beard, and one wooden leg.
33.What values should Belinda have shown toward Custard?
She should have respected and encouraged him instead of ridiculing his fears.
34.Why did everyone praise Custard after the fight?
Because he saved them all from the pirate.
35.How do the others behave after the pirate’s death?
They congratulate the dragon but later try to claim they could have been braver.
36.What lesson do we learn from Custard’s character?
True bravery is revealed in action, not talk.
37.What is ironic about Custard’s bravery?
He was called cowardly but turned out to be the only brave one.
38.What is the tone of the poem?
Humorous and ironic.
39.How does the poet create humor through the animals?
By showing the irony between their boasts and real actions.
40.How does this poem reflect human nature?
It shows people often claim bravery but hesitate in real danger.
Medium Answer Questions (4-5 marks)
41.Describe how Custard saved Belinda and her pets.
When the pirate entered, everyone was terrified. Only Custard faced the threat bravely, fought with the pirate, and gobbled him up, saving all others.
42.Explain the central theme of the poem.
The poem shows that real courage is tested in times of crisis. Words can’t prove bravery-action does.
43.Discuss the irony in the poem.
The dragon, mocked for cowardice, proves brave in danger, while others who bragged turned out to be cowards.
44.Describe the scene when the pirate came.
The pirate entered through the window with weapons. Belinda screamed, Mustard growled, Ink and Blink hid, but Custard rose to fight bravely.
45.Why do you think Ogden Nash used animals as characters?
To make the story light, humorous, and symbolic of different human traits like pride, vanity, or modesty.
46.How does the poem end?
Everyone returns to boasting and teasing Custard again, showing human tendency not to accept true bravery in others.
47.In what sense is Custard the hero of the story?
He acted selflessly in a crisis, showing true heroism through deeds, not words.
48.Why do you think the poet calls it a ‘Tale‘?
Because it’s a humorous narrative poem that tells a story with a moral.
49.What makes this poem different from typical ballads?
It parodies traditional ballads, using humor instead of solemn heroism.
50.What feelings does the poem evoke in readers?
It evokes humor, irony, sympathy for Custard, and admiration for his bravery.
Long Answer Questions (6-8 marks)
51.Explain the contrast between appearance and reality in the poem.
The poem contrasts the outward bravado of the other pets with the quiet strength of Custard. Though mocked as cowardly, Custard’s inner strength surfaces in crisis. This displays that true valor lies within actions, not pretensions.
52.How does "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" parody heroic ballads?
Heroic ballads celebrate brave deeds, but Nash humorously inverts this pattern-mocking the fake bravery of others and showing irony in Custard’s true heroism. The sing-song rhyme and animal characters add to the parody.
53.Discuss the stylistic devices Ogden Nash uses to bring out humor.
He uses exaggeration, alliteration, playful rhymes like Mustard and custard, repetition, and comical imagery to create childlike humor and rhythm.
54.How does Custard’s bravery change everyone’s attitude?
Initially mocked, Custard’s brave act shocked everyone and earned their gratitude. Yet, soon after, they resumed boasting, revealing superficiality in their change of heart.
55.What moral lesson does the poem convey?
The poem conveys that true courage lies in facing real danger, while boasting is empty. It’s better to be humble and act bravely when needed.
56.Evaluate Belinda’s role in the poem.
Belinda is caring but naive. She mocks Custard with others but depends on him when in danger. She symbolizes human inconsistency and superficial judgment.
57.How does Nash use humor to teach courage?
Humor softens his message - reminding readers not to judge others’ fears harshly and that real courage is often hidden.
58.Analyze how Ogden Nash presents contrast and irony.
Each character claims bravery but fails under pressure. Nash highlights irony between talk and action, giving Custard quiet dignity.
59.What is the importance of Custard’s desire for a ‘safe cage’?
His request symbolizes modesty and caution. It reminds that awareness of danger is not cowardice but wisdom.
60.In what way does the poem reflect everyday human behavior?
It mirrors how people behave-bragging about courage but faltering in distress, often mocking those who are actually stronger.
Analytical and Critical Thinking Questions
61.How does the poem explore real versus perceived bravery?
The poem contrasts what appears to be bravery with what truly is. Belinda and her pets boast of courage but flee in danger, while Custard-mocked as cowardly-proves real bravery by defeating the pirate. Nash thus highlights that true courage is revealed through action, not appearance or words.
62.What quality in Custard stands out the most, and why?
Custard’s humility stands out. Despite being mocked, he never retaliates or boasts. His gentle and modest nature makes his sudden bravery even more impressive, emphasizing that genuine strength often lies beneath a quiet exterior.
63.How do animals reflect human traits in this poem?
Each animal represents human characteristics:
Belinda symbolizes vanity and self-pride.
Ink (the cat) and Blink (the mouse) show pretentiousness.
Mustard (the dog) reflects boastful bravery.
Custard mirrors a humble, misunderstood person.
Through these animal characters, Nash humorously portrays human flaws and virtues.
64.Why might Nash choose a dragon, a symbol of terror, to be timid?
Nash’s choice is ironic and humorous. Dragons are known for fierceness, yet Custard is shy and gentle. This reversal of expectation amplifies the poem’s theme of irony and teaches that appearances and stereotypes can be misleading.
65.How is the theme of irony conveyed through poetic form?
The rhyme and rhythm create a playful, light tone that contrasts with serious themes like bravery and fear. The irony is built into the structure-brave characters turn cowardly, and a timid dragon becomes a hero. The poem’s sing-song rhythm enhances the comic twist of events.
66.Discuss how the rhyme contributes to humor.
The rhyme scheme (aabb) and use of nonsense or funny-sounding words (like "realio trulio" and "wiggled and jiggled") create a playful mood. This rhythmic humor mirrors the exaggerated behavior of the characters and makes the poem entertaining while still meaningful.
67.What makes Custard relatable despite being a dragon?
Custard is relatable because he feels fear, seeks comfort, and faces mockery-emotions familiar to humans. His vulnerability and humility make him sympathetic, showing that even the strongest beings can feel afraid at times.
68.How does Belinda’s vanity contrast with Custard’s humility?
Belinda boasts about her and her pets’ bravery, showing vanity and pride. In contrast, Custard remains modest and never claims to be brave. When danger arrives, Belinda’s pride collapses while Custard’s quiet courage shines, underscoring the value of humility over arrogance.
69.How does the poet depict cowardice and courage as shifting identities?
Nash shows that cowardice and courage are situational, not permanent traits. The so-called brave flee when the pirate appears, while Custard-thought to be a coward-fights bravely. The poet suggests that courage and fear exist in everyone and can change with circumstances.
70.Which poetic line best portrays irony, and why?
The line "But Custard cried for a nice safe cage" is deeply ironic. A dragon-symbol of power-longing for safety overturns expectations. This line humorously captures the poem’s central irony: that true bravery may hide beneath timidity.
71."Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears." - Identify poetic devices.
Simile and alliteration.
72."Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage." - What does it tell us about Mustard?
He appeared fierce and overconfident.
73."Custard cried for a nice safe cage." - What does this line show?
It shows Custard’s humility and longing for safety.
74."Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon." - Identify poetic device.
Simile.
75."Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmercifully." - What tone is shown?
Mocking and playful.
76."He fired two bullets but they didn’t hit." - What does it show about Custard?
It shows his quick reaction and courage.
77."And Belinda paled, and she cried Help Help." - What does this line express?
Her fear and helplessness.
78."And Custard gaped and cried for a nice safe cage." - Which poetic device is present?
Repetition.
79."And everyone laughed at the cowardly dragon." - Explain irony here.
The mocked dragon later saves everyone.
80."He had a bright cutlass in his teeth." - What does ‘cutlass’ mean?
A short sword with a curved blade.
81.What impression does Nash create using childlike rhythm?
Nash uses a simple, lively, and sing-song rhythm that mimics nursery rhymes, making the poem fun and engaging for children, while softening the critique of false bravery.
82.Why did everyone forget their fear so quickly after the pirate’s death?
Because human nature often leads people to be boastful and not learn from experiences; they resumed boasting and teasing Custard rather than appreciating true bravery.
83.Is Custard truly cowardly? Give reasons.
No, Custard is not truly cowardly. Although he asks for a safe cage and is mocked, he shows real courage by confronting and defeating the pirate when others run away.
84.Compare the dragon’s bravery with that of Belinda’s pets.
While the pets boast loudly about their courage, they all hide or flee at the sight of danger; Custard is humble but faces danger head-on, proving his genuine bravery.
85.What adjectives describe the mood of the poem?
Humorous, ironic, playful, lighthearted, and whimsical.
86.How does Nash use humor to criticize false courage?
He exaggerates the boasting of the pets and Belinda, then contrasts it with their cowardly actions; this irony creates laughter while highlighting the emptiness of their claims.
87.How is Custard’s bravery selfless?
He fights the pirate not for praise but to protect his friends and Belinda, showing courage motivated by care rather than vanity.
88.What effect does rhyme have on the narrative?
Rhyme gives the poem musicality and charm, making it memorable and accessible, which helps deliver the moral lesson in an entertaining way.
89.Why do the others return to mocking Custard in the end?
Because they prefer boasting and superficial bravery; they cannot fully accept Custard’s quiet heroism and revert to teasing him.
90.Does Custard represent an underdog figure? Explain.
Yes, Custard represents the underdog-mocked and underestimated but proving himself heroic when it matters most, symbolizing that true strength can come from unlikely places.
Descriptive / Extended Long Answer Questions with Answers
91.Write a character sketch of Custard with textual references.
Custard, the dragon, is gentle yet brave. Though mocked as cowardly for crying out for a "nice safe cage," he surprises everyone by fighting off the pirate. He symbolizes modesty and true courage, contrasting sharply with the boastful pets. For example, "Custard cried for a nice safe cage" shows his cautious nature, but "He snarled, he roared, and the pirate was dead" demonstrates his unexpected valor.
92.How does "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" blend moral lesson with fun?
The poem uses playful language, rhyme, and humorous characters to entertain readers. Simultaneously, it teaches that true bravery is action, not empty words. The silly boasting pets and the ironic dragon mix humor and morals effectively.
93.Justify the title of the poem.
The title focuses on Custard to highlight his central role. Though other characters boast, Custard’s tale of courage is the poem’s core. It draws attention to the dragon’s transformation from mocked coward to hero.
94.What role does irony play in sustaining humor throughout the poem?
Irony is the backbone of the poem’s humor-characters call Custard cowardly when he’s the bravest. This reversal generates comic effect and makes the moral lesson more impactful.
95.Explain how Nash’s use of rhythm and rhyme creates comic effect.
The sing-song rhymes and steady rhythm imitate children’s rhymes, which lightens serious themes and invites laughter at exaggerated descriptions and ironic twists.
96.Compare the behavior of Belinda’s pets before and after the pirate’s attack.
Before the attack, the pets brag about their bravery and tease Custard. After the attack, they admit fear and hide, except Custard, whose brave actions change their stance temporarily.
97.How does Custard symbolize true courage and sincerity?
Custard’s requests for safety demonstrate his honesty and realism. Unlike others who boast, he acts bravely when required, symbolizing that sincerity involves truthfulness and courage.
98.Why can the poem be called a narrative ballad? Explain.
It tells a story in verse with rhyme, rhythm, and dialogue, typical of ballads. The narrative progresses with a problem (pirate attack), climax (Custard’s fight), and resolution.
99.Discuss how the poet satirizes boasting and hypocrisy through this poem.
The poet mocks the pets’ excessive boasting and false bravado by showing their cowardice during danger, using humor and irony to criticize bragging without deeds.
100.How does the ending handle irony and human nature?
The ending ironically shows that despite witnessing true bravery, people quickly forget and return to shallow teasing. It reflects human tendency toward superficial judgments and the challenge of accepting real courage.