The Tale of Custard the Dragon Class 10 Worksheet English Chapter 1

Q.1. Evaluate Ogden Nash’s ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ as a ballad. What message does the poet give to the readers in this poem?

Ballads are stories told in verse. Generally, ballads are tales of adventures and heroism. In the poem, the poet does present the encounter of Custard and the pirate in the typical spirit of a ballad.The four-line stanzas have the rhyme scheme: aa, bb throughout the poem. Ogden Nash gives a subtle message to the readers through the fate of Custard, the dragon. In this world of deceit, self-confidence, self-dependence and self-respect are essentials to earn your rightful place among your peers. The mere presence of physical strength is not enough. The more important point is that you must be conscious of your strength. You must be fully aware of the fact that many others who are far inferior in strength and power should have no right to taunt and ridicule you.

Q.2. How did Belinda and her pets behave when the pirate had been killed by Custard?

When the pirate was killed by Custard, Belinda embraced him. Mustard licked him, while Ink and Blink gyrated around him.

Q.3. The dragon, custard was considered a coward. The humble dragon proved his bravery in adversity. Analyse that certain qualities like bravery and courage are situational and spontaneous. Express your views with reference to the poem.

Custard’s humbleness won every reader’s heart as he showed true bravery and did not boast like Belinda and her other pets. Everyone boasted of their bravery but when they faced real danger, it was only Custard, who had the courage to face it. And he proved his bravery by not running away and facing the pirate and killing him. Qualities like bravery and courage can only be tested when someone is actually put in a dangerous situation. Therefore, these qualities are situational as becomes clear from Custard’s example. Custard looked for comfort all the time but this did not mean that he was a coward.

Q.4. How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad?

A ballad is a poem that tells a story, typically characterised by themes of adventure, bravery, and romance. It is often musical due to its rhyme scheme. While 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' possesses these qualities, it is also a parody of a traditional ballad. The poet presents these traits in a humorous manner.

Q.5. Do you think that one should be made fun of because of their ‘preferences and choices in life? Explain in the context of Custard, the dragon.

It is not right to make fun of anyone based on their lifestyle and choices. Custard, the dragon, always sought comfort and safety; thus, he often cried for a nice, safe cage. Belinda and the other pets made fun of him, believing he was a coward. However, Custard demonstrated that his desire for comfort did not equate to cowardice. In fact, he was the only one who had the courage to face the pirate and ultimately defeat him.

Q.6. How did Custard the dragon face the pirate? What was the outcome of their fight?

Custard, the dragon, jumped up, snorting as he prepared to face the pirate. He swung his tail, displaying his courage. The pirate, taken aback by this heroic gesture, gulped down some wine to lift his drooping spirits. He fired two bullets but missed his target. In the meantime, Custard swiftly swallowed the pirate, ending the confrontation.

Q.7. Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the ‘poster boy’ for the belief that the real nature of a person is revealed at times of the greatest difficulty?

Belinda and her pets used to make fun of Custard, calling him a coward. However, Custard revealed his true courage during a moment of real danger when he fought against the pirate. This incident demonstrated that he was capable of extraordinary bravery, proving that he could indeed be a poster boy for the belief that a person's true nature is revealed in times of adversity.

Q.8. Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the ‘poster boy’ for the belief that the real nature of a person is revealed at times of the greatest difficulty?

Belinda and her pets used to make fun of Custard and call her a coward. But Custard displayed his courage and strength in times of real danger by fighting with the pirate. This incident proved him a superhero who was capable of becoming a poster boy.

Q.9.  The usage of words like ‘realio trulio’ creates a wonderful poetic effect. How?

The poem is a ballad that employs creative spelling to enhance its musicality. The poet alters the words ‘real’ and ‘true’ to ‘realio’ and ‘trulio’, which contributes to a unique poetic effect. This alteration creates a more lyrical quality, as the original spellings would not evoke the same rhythmic and melodic impact.

Q.10. State the reason you think the poet named the animals- Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard?

The poet named the kitten Ink because she was black in colour. The name Mustard likely refers to the yellow plant, which also describes the dog's yellow colour. Additionally, the poet altered the name slightly to Custard to create a rhyme with Mustard.