Chapters

Solutions

The Tale of Custard the Dragon 7th

Thinking about the Poem :
Question 1.
Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names?

Answer: The characters in the poem are Belinda, the girl, her little kitten Ink, her mouse Blink, her yellow dog Mustard and her coward dragon Custard

Question 2.
Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called "cowardly dragon" ?

Answer: Custard, the dragon, was in fact very brave. But he was humble to the core. He cried for a nice safe cage. While all other pets boasted of their pretended courage, Custard never objected

Question 3.
"Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful." Why ?

Answer: Belinda and her pets except Custard were creatures of words, not of deeds. As Custard cried for a safe cage, they teased him as a coward. They laughed at him. They made fun of him. Belinda tickled him unmerciful

Question 4.
The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example : "Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon" - the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more such poetic devices used in the poem?

Answer: The poem employs many poetic devices apart from similes. Some of them are rhyme, alliteration, repetition, imagery, metaphors etc

Question 5.
Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon?

Answer: The dragons appearance is rather frightening. He has big, sharp teeth. His body is covered with spikes on the upper side and scales underneath. His mouth is like a fireplace. His nose is the chimney. His toes are daggers

Question 6.
Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem ?

Answer: Yes, the poem follows the same rhyme scheme all through its 15 stanzas (except 13 stanza). It is aabb scheme. The thirteenth stanza has six lines and the scheme is aa bb cc

Question 7.
Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?

Answer: Yes, the poem is rich with images. Examples are barrel full of bears; leg was wood; lions down the stairs

Question 8.
Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer?

Answer: "The Tale of Custard, the Dragon" is a light-hearted poem. It is full of fun. First the names Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard amuse us. Then the way they boast of themselves ( except Custard) evokes laughter in us. And many more are such instances

Question 9.
This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project?

Answer: Yes, I have come across quite many ballads in both English and Telugu. The one that I can never forget is Puttadi Bomma Poornamma, composed so brilliantly by Gurajada Appa Rao. It is so touching that tears overflow nonstop as one goes through it. It exposes the cruellest of all social evils Bride Price. Young, innocent girls were offered to very old rich men at a price. And the girls life became a hell. And the old man died soon leaving the girl a widow

Writing :
Question1.
Have fun writing your ballad. Gather information (choose/decide an idea/theme), organise your materials under characters and story and then write. Revise and edit your ballad to make it entertaining. Use the following guidelines to write your ballad?
  1. Purpose of writing the ballad: to entertain and interest
  2. To whom I am writing: decide for whom you are writing
  3. How should I structure features
  4. Tell a simple narrative
  5. A few major characters
  6. A strong rhythm and rhyme
  7. May have a refrain (single or two line(s) repeated often)
  8. Divide into verses

Answer: Classroom turns into a playground Not just now and then but year round Provided think you out of the box The whole class, in laughter, rocks ! Learning indeed is real fun Better than this one finds none! Needs one to have resources ample Add interest with anecdotes a couple! Cannot as God be in each home Made He mothers to in houses roam! Like it is pronouns replacing nouns Gods are nouns, pronouns, mothers you pronounce !

God is nowhere reads a line God is now here and it is fine! Write to make a word letters five One letter trick it does, not so hard you strive ! (Queue - five letters - Q - One letter) Homonyms the topic for discussion now Do any of you about homonyms know? Rose a girl to answer it quickly Homonyms is todays topic said she promptly! Which hour in a day love you most ? The last hour, chorused all as a host ! What in it so much you all pleases ? For the day from this prison us it releases !

Additional Questions : I. Read the following lines

Belinda lived in a little white house, With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse, And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon, And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon. Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink, And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink, And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard, But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard

Question 1.
What colour was Belindas house ?
  1. Yellow
  2. White
  3. Red

Answer: White

Question 2.
What was the name of Belindas little yellow dog?
  1. Mustard
  2. Custard
  3. Ink

Answer: Mustard

Question 3.
Which animal was described as a coward?
  1. The little black kitten
  2. The little yellow dog
  3. The little pet dragon

Answer: The little pet dragon

II. Read the following lines

Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth, And spikes on top of him and scales underneath, Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose, And realio, trulio daggers on his toes. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard cried for a nice safe cage

Question 1.
What did Custard the dragon have on his toes ?
  1. Daggers
  2. Spikes
  3. Scales

Answer: Daggers

Question 2.
Who was described as brave as a barrel full of bears ?
  1. Belinda
  2. Ink
  3. Blink

Answer: Belinda

Question 3.
Who cried for a nice safe cage?
  1. Ink
  2. Custard
  3. Mustard

Answer: Custard

III. Read the following lines

Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. Belinda giggled till she shook the house, And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse, Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age, When Custard cried for a nice safe cage

Question 1.
What did Belinda and her companions call the dragon?
  1. Percival
  2. Custard
  3. Mustard

Answer: Percival

Question 2.
What did Blink do that was described as "giggling for a mouse" ?
  1. Wink
  2. Squeak
  3. Weeck

Answer: Weeck

Question 3.
Who rudely asked the dragons age ?
  1. Ink
  2. Mustard
  3. Blink

Answer: Mustard

IV. Read the following lines

Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound, And Mustard growled, and they all looked around. Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda, For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright, His beard was black, one leg was wood; It was clear that the pirate meant no good

Question 1.
What sound did they suddenly hear?
  1. Meowch
  2. Ooh
  3. Pirate

Answer: Pirate

Question 2.
What did the pirate hold in his teeth ?
  1. Pistol
  2. Cutlass
  3. Beard

Answer: Cutlass

Question 3.
What was clear about the pirate?
  1. He was friendly
  2. He meant no good
  3. He was a friend of Belinda

Answer: He meant no good V. Read the following lines

Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help! But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp, Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed. But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine, Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon, With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm, He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm

Question 1.
What did Mustard do when Belinda cried for help?
  1. Fled
  2. Attacked the pirate
  3. Hid with Belinda

Answer: Fled

Question 2.
Where did little mouse Blink strategically go ?
  1. Under the bed
  2. To the kitchen
  3. Mousehole

Answer: Mousehole

Question 3.
How did Custard react when the pirate appeared?
  1. He snorted like an engine
  2. He laughed
  3. He cried

Answer: He snorted like an engine

VI. Read the following lines

The pirate gaped at Belindas dragon, And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon, He fired two bullets, but they didnt hit, And Custard gobbled him, every bit. Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, No one mourned for his pirate victim. Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate Around the dragon that ate the pirate

Question 1.
What did Custard do to the pirate ?
  1. Hugged him
  2. Ate him
  3. Fought with him

Answer: Ate him

Question 2.
How did Belinda and Mustard react to Custards actions ?
  1. They mourned
  2. They embraced him
  3. They scolded him

Answer: They embraced him

Question 3.
What did Ink and Blink do around the dragon?
  1. Sleep
  2. Cry
  3. Gyrate

Answer: Gyrate

VII. Read the following lines

But presently up spoke little dog Mustard, Id have been twice as brave if I hadnt been flustered. And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink, Wed have been three times as brave, we think, And Custard said, I quite agree That everybody is braver than me

Question 1.
How did Mustard feel about his bravery?
  1. Proud
  2. Flustered
  3. Indifferent

Answer: Flustered

Question 2.
What did Ink and Blink say about their bravery?
  1. They were the bravest
  2. They were scared
  3. They were proud

Answer: They were the bravest

Question 3.
How did Custard feel about everyones bravery?
  1. Proud
  2. Agreeable
  3. Angry

Answer: Agreeable

VIII. Read the following lines

Belinda still lives in her little white house, With her little black kitten and her little grey mouse, And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon, And her realio, trulio little pet dragon. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs, Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage

Question 1.
What colour is Belindas little wagon?
  1. Yellow
  2. Red
  3. White

Answer: Red

Question 2.
Who among Belindas companions chases lions down the stairs?
  1. Ink and Blink
  2. Mustard
  3. Custard

Answer: Ink and Blink

Question 3.
Which character keeps crying for a nice safe cage ?
  1. Belinda
  2. Mustard
  3. Custard

Answer: Custard

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Poem Summary in English

"The Tale of Custard, The Dragon" is a ballad. It narrates an interesting anecdote. It is full of fun, humour and adventure. It employs many poetic devices enhancing its artistic excellence. It also analyses many follies we normally find in humans. Belinda is a little girl. She lives in a little white house. She has as her pets a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, and a little dragon. Their names are Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard. They all call Custard a coward as he often cries for a nice safe cage. All others make fun of Custard for his timidity. They all claim that they are brave enough to drive away lions and tigers. As they once are all laughing at Custard, they hear a pirate climbing in the window

Belinda and all other pets run to their safety. But Custard boldly attacks the pirate and gobbles him. Belinda appreciates Custard. All other pets find and cite false excuses for their running away. And they repeat their boasting of they being brave. But, Custard, the real hero, humbly proclaims that they all are braver than him. And he still cries for a nice safe cage. We are all reminded of the great saying that victory has many fathers and defeat is an orphan

Glossary :

wagon (n) : a four-wheeled cart;

realio (adv) : really;

trulio (adv) : truly;

dragon (n) : an imaginary creature with frightening features;

coward (n) : a timid creature;

spikes (n-pl) : nail-like structures;

daggers (n-pl) : double-edged short swords;

barrel (n) : a drum, a round vessel;

chased (v-pt) : hunted;

rage (n) ; : violent, uncontrolled anger;

tickled (v-pt) : touched in a way to cause displeasure;

rudely (adv) : in a bad-mannered way;

Percival (proper noun) : a male name in French, symbol of courage;

giggled (v-pt) : laughed in an affected way;

nasty (adj) : unpleasant, offensive;

pirate (n) : (here) a thief with arms;

winda (n) : (other spelling of window) window;

cutlass (n) : a short sword with a curved blade;

paled (v-pt) : turned white with fear;

fled (v-pt of flee) : ran away to escape;

yelp (n) : a loud cry;

strategically (adv) : in a planned way;

mouseholed (v-pt) : ran into its narrow hole;

snorting (v+ing) : breathing fast;

dungeon (n) : a dark warehouse or prison;

clatter, clank (n) : loud sounds;

jangling (v+ing) : making a noise; squirm (n) : a twist or bend like a snake makes;

robin (n) : a kind of bird;

gulped (v-pt) : swallowed quickly;

grog (n) : alcohol;

flagon (n) : a bottle;

gobled (v-pt) : ate quickly;

embraced (v-pt) : hugged as a token of appreciation;

licked (v-pt) : touched or rubbed with the tongue expressing affection;

mourned (v-pt) : expressed sorrow over the death;

gyrate (v) : move around in circles;

flustered (v-pp) : confused, panicked;

Important Question

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.

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