The Tale of Custard the Dragon - NCERT Class 10, First Flight, Chapter 7 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions, MCQ

Thinking About the Poem

1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.

The characters in the poem are Belinda and her pets:

• Belinda – The girl
• Ink – The little black kitten
• Blink – The little grey mouse
• Mustard – The little yellow dog
• Custard – The pet dragon

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

Custard cried for a nice safe cage because, despite his fierce appearance, he was very timid and afraid. The dragon is called "cowardly" because, unlike the other pets who are described as brave, Custard constantly seeks safety and protection, showing fear instead of courage.

3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful...” Why?

Belinda and the other pets teased Custard unmercifully because of his cowardly nature. They made fun of him for being so timid and fearful, despite being a dragon, which is generally considered a symbol of strength and bravery.

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?

Yes, here are some other examples of poetic devices used in the poem:

• Simile: "Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears"
• Simile: "Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage"
• Alliteration: "Custard cried for a nice safe cage"
• Metaphor: "Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose"

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

In stanza three, the poet describes Custard the dragon as having "big sharp teeth," "spikes on top," "scales underneath," a "mouth like a fireplace," and "daggers on his toes." Despite this fierce appearance, Custard is very timid and cowardly.

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

The rhyme scheme of the poem follows the pattern AABB in most stanzas. For example:

Belinda lived in a little white house (A)
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse (A)
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon (B)
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon (B)

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?

Some vivid images in the poem include:

• "Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose" – paints a picture of Custard’s fiery breath
• "Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon" – creates the image of the dragon's powerful tail
• "Pirate climbing in the winda" – gives a visual of the pirate sneaking in through the window

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.

"The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is a light-hearted and humorous poem. Though it deals with themes like bravery and fear, the exaggerated descriptions and playful rhyme scheme make it more of a parody. The contrast between Custard’s fierce appearance and his cowardly nature adds to the humor, making it an enjoyable and entertaining poem.

9. Writing Your Own Ballad

Now, try writing your own ballad. Gather your thoughts, decide on a theme, and organize the ballad using characters and a simple narrative. Here are some guidelines to help you:

• Purpose: To entertain and interest
• Audience: Choose whom you are writing for
• Structure: Tell a simple narrative, include a few major characters, maintain a strong rhythm and rhyme, and consider having a refrain (repeated lines).