A Complete Guide To “The Tale Of Custard The Dragon”

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash! This delightful poem takes us on a whimsical journey with Belinda and her quirky pets, including the timid yet unexpectedly brave dragon, Custard. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the poem’s summary, explore the literary devices Nash employs, and provide extract-based multiple-choice questions to test your understanding. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or poetry enthusiast, this guide will help you appreciate the charm and hidden depths of this classic poem. Let’s embark on this enchanting adventure together!

Summary of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”

Introduction “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash is a whimsical poem about a cowardly dragon named Custard. The poem is set in a fantastical world and uses humour to convey its message.

Characters The poem introduces us to Belinda, a little girl who lives in a white house with her pets. She has a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. Despite being a dragon, Custard is timid and often mocked by the other pets.

Belinda and Her Pets Belinda is described as brave, and so are her pets, except for Custard. Ink, Blink, and Mustard boast about their bravery and tease Custard for his cowardice. They laugh at him because he always wants a safe cage.

The Pirate Attack One day, a pirate breaks into their house. The brave pets are terrified and hide. Surprisingly, Custard, the so-called coward, rises to the occasion. He fights the pirate fiercely and defeats him, proving his bravery.

Aftermath After Custard’s heroic act, the other pets still tease him, claiming they could have handled the pirate themselves. Custard, however, remains humble and continues to be his gentle self.

Themes The poem highlights themes of bravery and humility. It shows that true courage is revealed in times of crisis and that appearances can be deceiving. Custard, despite his fear, proves to be the bravest of all.

Conclusion Ogden Nash uses simple language and a playful tone to tell this story, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages. The poem teaches us not to judge others based on their outward behaviour and that everyone has their own strengths.

Themes in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”

Bravery and Courage The poem explores the theme of bravery, showing that true courage is revealed in unexpected ways. Custard, who is initially mocked for his cowardice, proves to be the bravest when he defeats the pirate.

Appearances Can Be Deceptive Another key theme is that appearances can be deceptive. Despite Custard’s timid nature and the other pets’ bravado, it is Custard who acts heroically in a crisis, challenging the initial perceptions of his character.

Humility Custard’s humility is highlighted when, despite his brave act, he does not boast about his victory. This contrasts with the other pets who continue to mock him, showing that true heroes do not seek validation.

Friendship and Loyalty The poem also touches on friendship and loyalty. Despite their teasing, Belinda and her pets live together harmoniously, and Custard’s actions ultimately protect them all, demonstrating his loyalty to his friends.

Humour and Whimsy Ogden Nash uses humour and whimsical elements throughout the poem, making it light-hearted and entertaining. The playful language and exaggerated descriptions add to the poem’s charm and accessibility for younger readers.

These themes make “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” a rich and engaging poem that offers valuable lessons while entertaining its audience. Would you like to explore any other aspects of the poem?

Extract Based MCQs from The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Extract 1

“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.”

1. Who lived in the little white house?
   • a) Only Belinda
   • b) Belinda and her pets
   • c) Belinda and her family
     Answer: b) Belinda and her pets
2. What colour was the kitten?
   • a) Grey
   • b) Yellow
   • c) Black
     Answer: c) Black
3. Which pet is described as ‘realio, trulio’?
   • a) The kitten
   • b) The mouse
   • c) The dragon
     Answer: c) The dragon

Extract 2

“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.”

1. What was the name of the little black kitten?
   • a) Blink
   • b) Ink
   • c) Mustard
     Answer: b) Ink
2. Which pet was described as ‘sharp as Mustard’?
   • a) The kitten
   • b) The mouse
   • c) The dog
     Answer: c) The dog
3. How is the dragon described in this extract?
   • a) Brave
   • b) Cowardly
   • c) Sharp
     Answer: b) Cowardly

Extract 3

“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.”

1. What did Custard have on his toes?
   • a) Claws
   • b) Daggers
   • c) Spikes
     Answer: b) Daggers
2. How is Custard’s mouth described?
   • a) Like a chimney
   • b) Like a fireplace
   • c) Like a dragon’s mouth
     Answer: b) Like a fireplace
3. What was underneath Custard?
   • a) Spikes
   • b) Scales
   • c) Teeth
     Answer: b) Scales

Extract 4

“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.”

1. How brave was Belinda described?
   • a) As brave as a lion
   • b) As brave as a barrel full of bears
   • c) As brave as a tiger
     Answer: b) As brave as a barrel full of bears
2. What did Ink and Blink chase?
   • a) Bears
   • b) Tigers
   • c) Lions
     Answer: c) Lions
3. What did Custard cry for?
   • a) A safe cage
   • b) A fight
   • c) A friend
     Answer: a) A safe cage

Extract 5

“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.”

1. What did they hear suddenly?
   • a) A pleasant sound
   • b) A nasty sound
   • c) A loud sound
     Answer: b) A nasty sound
2. Who growled when they heard the sound?
   • a) Ink
   • b) Mustard
   • c) Belinda
     Answer: b) Mustard
3. Who was climbing in the window?
   • a) A thief
   • b) A pirate
   • c) A dragon
     Answer: b) A pirate

Answers to Questions from the Poem (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: a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard.
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 he was timid and afraid of danger. He is called a “cowardly dragon” because, despite being a dragon, he lacked the bravery typically associated with dragons and preferred safety over adventure.
3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful…” Why?
   Belinda tickled Custard unmercifully to tease him for his cowardice. It was a playful way to mock him for always wanting a safe cage instead of being brave like the other pets.
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?
   • Simile: “Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage.”
   • Alliteration: “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.”
   • Repetition: “Realio, trulio, little pet dragon.”
5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.
   The poet describes Custard as having big sharp teeth, spikes on top, scales underneath, a mouth like a fireplace, a chimney for a nose, and daggers on his toes.
6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
   The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB. For example:
   • “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.”
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?
   • “Mouth like a fireplace” creates an image of a large, fiery mouth.
   • “Chimney for a nose” suggests a nose that emits smoke.
   • “Daggers on his toes” evokes the image of sharp, dangerous claws.
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 poem is light-hearted. It uses humour and playful language to tell the story of a cowardly dragon who turns out to be brave. The whimsical names and the exaggerated descriptions add to the poem’s fun and entertaining tone.
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.
   One modern song that tells a story is “The Ballad of John and Yoko” by The Beatles. It narrates the events surrounding John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s marriage and their subsequent adventures. Collecting such narrative songs can be an interesting project to explore storytelling in music.

Extra Questions on the poem

Q. What is the significance of Custard’s name?

Custard’s name is significant because it contrasts sharply with the typical image of a fierce and powerful dragon. The name “Custard” evokes something soft, sweet, and harmless, which aligns with Custard’s timid and gentle nature. This ironic naming adds to the poem’s humour and highlights the theme that appearances can be deceptive.

Q. Explain the character development in the poem?

The poem showcases significant character development, particularly for Custard. Initially, Custard is portrayed as a cowardly dragon who is mocked by the other pets for his fearfulness. However, when a pirate threatens Belinda and her pets, Custard’s true bravery emerges as he fights and defeats the intruder. This act of courage transforms Custard from a figure of ridicule to a hero, revealing his hidden strength and challenging the initial perceptions of his character.

Q. How does humor enhance the poem’s message?

Humour plays a crucial role in enhancing the poem’s message by making it more engaging and memorable. Ogden Nash uses playful language, whimsical names, and exaggerated descriptions to create a light-hearted tone. This humour not only entertains the reader but also underscores the poem’s themes, such as the deceptive nature of appearances and the unexpected sources of bravery. By presenting serious messages in a humorous way, Nash ensures that the lessons of the poem are accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.

Q. Analyze the poem’s structure?

“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is structured as a ballad, a form of verse often used for storytelling. It consists of quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme, which gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality. This structure makes the poem engaging and easy to read, especially for younger audiences. The consistent rhyme and meter help to maintain a light-hearted tone, even when addressing themes of bravery and humility.

Q. What role do the other pets play in the story?

The other pets—Ink, Blink, and Mustard—serve as foils to Custard. They are portrayed as brave and boastful, often mocking Custard for his cowardice. However, when danger arises, they reveal their true nature by hiding in fear. Their actions highlight Custard’s unexpected bravery and emphasize the theme that true courage is not always visible on the surface. The pets’ behaviour also adds humour to the poem, making Custard’s heroism even more surprising and impactful.

Q. How does setting influence the poem’s themes?

The setting of Belinda’s little white house creates a cosy and safe environment, which contrasts with the sudden appearance of the pirate. This contrast heightens the tension and underscores the theme of bravery. The domestic setting also makes the characters’ interactions more relatable and emphasizes the idea that heroism can be found in everyday life. The whimsical and fantastical elements of the setting, such as the presence of a pet dragon, add to the poem’s charm and reinforce its light-hearted tone.

Q. Discuss the poem’s moral lessons?

The poem teaches that true bravery is revealed in times of crisis and that appearances can be deceptive. It also highlights the value of humility, as Custard remains modest despite his heroic act.

Q. What is the significance of the pirate character?

The pirate serves as a catalyst for revealing Custard’s hidden bravery. His sudden intrusion creates a crisis that allows Custard to demonstrate his courage, challenging the initial perceptions of his cowardice.

Q. How does language contribute to the poem’s charm?

Ogden Nash’s playful and whimsical language, including rhymes and humorous descriptions, makes the poem engaging and enjoyable. This light-hearted tone enhances the storytelling and makes the moral lessons more accessible to readers.

Q. Explain the use of irony in the poem?

The irony lies in Custard, the supposedly cowardly dragon, being the one who bravely defeats the pirate, while the other pets, who boast of their bravery, hide in fear.

Q. What impact does Custard’s transformation have on readers?

Custard’s transformation from a coward to a hero surprises and delights readers, reinforcing the message that true bravery often comes from unexpected places.

Q. How do illustrations enhance the poem’s meaning?

Illustrations bring the characters and scenes to life, adding visual humour and helping readers, especially younger ones, better understand and enjoy the whimsical story.

Q. How does this poem compare to traditional fairy tales?

“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” shares elements with traditional fairy tales, such as fantastical characters and moral lessons. However, it uses humour and irony to subvert expectations, like portraying a dragon as cowardly. This playful twist adds a modern, light-hearted touch, differentiating it from more serious, traditional fairy tales.

Writing

Ballad Title: The Brave Knight and the Golden Swan

Purpose: To entertain and interest readers, young and old, with an exciting and adventurous tale of bravery.

To Whom I Am Writing: For children and young readers who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and tales of knights and mythical creatures.

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Verse 1
In a kingdom far away, where skies were ever blue,
Lived a brave young knight named Grey, his heart so pure and true.
He rode with shining armor bright, his sword held high and strong,
But no one knew, in secret, he’d been waiting all along.

Verse 2
One fateful night, a legend told, of a swan of golden hue,
A creature rare with feathers fair, and a voice that’s known to woo.
It swam the lake so deep and wide, its wings would touch the sky,
And if you caught this wondrous bird, great power you’d supply.

Refrain
Oh, the swan of golden light,
Whose wings could bring the dawn,
A treasure bright, a wondrous sight,
The knight rode on, rode on.

Verse 3
Grey set forth upon his quest, through forests dark and deep,
With hopes so high and dreams of gold, he promised not to sleep.
Through storms and winds, he journeyed far, his courage never swayed,
For in his heart, a burning flame, the golden swan would fade.

Verse 4
At last he came to the great lake, its waters dark and wide,
And there he saw, on the moonlit shore, the golden swan in pride.
Its feathers gleamed, its eyes were bright, it stood in quiet grace,
But Grey knew well, this test was not just for him to chase.

Refrain
Oh, the swan of golden light,
Whose wings could bring the dawn,
A treasure bright, a wondrous sight,
The knight rode on, rode on.

Verse 5
With gentle hands, Grey reached for it, but the bird took flight in haste,
It flew so high, above the sky, as if it knew his chase.
But Grey was not one to give up, his heart began to soar,
He leapt upon his noble steed and rode a thousand more.

Verse 6
Through days and nights, Grey chased that bird, across the endless skies,
He never stopped, he never turned, with determination in his eyes.
And when he caught the swan at last, beneath the shining moon,
He learned the truth, the swan’s bright wings gave strength to all who’d swoon.

Refrain
Oh, the swan of golden light,
Whose wings could bring the dawn,
A treasure bright, a wondrous sight,
The knight rode on, rode on.

Verse 7
Grey returned with swan in tow, his name was sung with cheer,
A hero true, the people knew, no doubt he’d quell all fear.
For not the gold, nor mighty strength, was what he truly won,
But courage, love, and loyalty, beneath the golden sun.

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Revision and Editing Tips:

• The ballad uses simple, repetitive phrases to make it easy for children to follow.
• The refrain is catchy and repeated after every verse to create rhythm.
• A classic knightly adventure theme with a twist on mythical creatures adds both excitement and a moral.
• The rhythm and rhyme give it a sing-song quality that would be engaging to younger readers.

Explanation of The Tale of Custard the Dragon in Hindi

“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” ओग्डन नैश द्वारा लिखी गई एक प्रसिद्ध कविता है, जो एक छोटे से ड्रैगन, कस्टर्ड, की कहानी बताती है। यह कविता हास्यपूर्ण और रोमांचक है, जिसमें एक असामान्य ड्रैगन के बारे में बताया गया है, जो एक डरपोक और अंततः बहादुर पात्र के रूप में सामने आता है।

कविता का सार (Summary of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”)

कविता में एक लड़की, बेलिंडा, और उसके चार पालतू जानवरों का जिक्र है— एक शेर, एक कुत्ता, एक तोता और कस्टर्ड नाम का ड्रैगन। बेलिंडा का कुत्ता, तोता और शेर सभी बहुत बहादुर हैं, लेकिन कस्टर्ड एक डरपोक ड्रैगन है जो हमेशा डरता रहता है। सभी जानवर बेलिंडा के सामने अपनी बहादुरी के किस्से सुनाते हैं, लेकिन कस्टर्ड हमेशा डर से कांपता है और वह अपनी सुरक्षा के लिए हमेशा घर के कोने में छिपा रहता है।

एक दिन, एक भयंकर समुद्री डाकू आता है और सभी जानवर डर के मारे भाग जाते हैं, लेकिन कस्टर्ड जो पहले डरपोक था, अब साहस दिखाता है। वह समुद्री डाकू से मुकाबला करता है और उसे हराता है। कस्टर्ड की बहादुरी से सब हैरान होते हैं और वे उसकी सराहना करते हैं। अंत में, कस्टर्ड को बहादुर माना जाता है, जबकि अन्य जानवर अपनी पिछली बहादुरी को भूल जाते हैं।

कविता का मुख्य विचार (Theme of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”)

कविता का मुख्य संदेश यह है कि कभी भी किसी की बाहरी छवि को देखकर उसकी बहादुरी का मूल्यांकन नहीं करना चाहिए। कस्टर्ड, जो एक डरपोक ड्रैगन था, अंत में अपनी बहादुरी दिखाता है और सच्ची वीरता यही है कि जब स्थिति कठिन हो, तब डर के बावजूद सही काम किया जाए।

कविता की व्याख्या

1. किरदार: कविता में चार मुख्य किरदार हैं — बेलिंडा, कस्टर्ड (ड्रैगन), शेर, कुत्ता और तोता। प्रत्येक जानवर अपनी बहादुरी का दावा करता है, लेकिन कस्टर्ड को डरपोक समझा जाता है।
2. कहानी: कहानी में कस्टर्ड की डरपोकता और उसकी बाद में दिखाई गई बहादुरी को दिखाया गया है। जब समुद्री डाकू आता है और सब भाग जाते हैं, कस्टर्ड अकेला रहकर डाकू से लड़ता है और उसे हराता है।
3. संदेश: कविता का संदेश यह है कि बहादुरी सिर्फ बाहरी ताकत से नहीं आती, बल्कि सच्ची बहादुरी दिल और साहस से होती है, जो कभी-कभी छिपी हुई होती है।

इस प्रकार, “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” एक मजेदार और प्रेरणादायक कविता है जो हमें सिखाती है कि हमें कभी भी किसी की कमजोरियों को हल्के में नहीं लेना चाहिए, क्योंकि हम नहीं जानते कि अंदर छिपी बहादुरी कब सामने आ सकती है।

Explanation of The Tale of Custard the Dragon in Urdu