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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 - The Tale of Custard the Dragon

NCERT Solutions for Class 10th: The Tale of Custard the Dragon (Poem) First Flight, English

Q1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Answer-
The characters in this poem are Belinda, a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little pet dragon and a pirate.

Character

Pet name

Kitten

Ink

Mouse

Blink

Dog

Mustard

Dragon

Custard

Q2. Why did Custard cry for a nice, safe cage? Why is the dragon called a “cowardly dragon”?
 Answer-

Custard cried for a nice, safe cage because it was a coward. It is called a ‘cowardly dragon’ because everybody else in the house was brave. Belinda was as brave as a barrel of bears. Ink and Blink are described as so brave that they could chase lions down the stairs and Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage. Compared to them, Custard cried asking for a nice and safe cage, which is why it is called a coward.

Q3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful...” Why? 
Answer-
Belinda tickled the dragon unmercifully because it was very scared and cried for a safe cage. They all laughed at it as it was a coward.

Q4. 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-
In the entire poem, the poet has made extensive use of similes. Apart from simile, another poetic device that has been used is repetition. For example, the repetitive use of the word ‘little’ in the first stanza to emphasise how everything from the house to Belinda to her pets were all little. Also, in the seventh stanza, the poet has made use of incorrect spelling as a poetic device to maintain the rhyme scheme of the poem. He has chosen to write ‘winda’ instead of ‘window’ as ‘winda’ rhymes with ‘Belinda’, whereas ‘window’ does not. He has also used alliteration in the poem. For example, in the tenth stanza, ‘Custard’ has ‘crashed’ his tail with a ‘clatter’ and a ‘clank’. Similarly, in stanza eleven, the pirate ‘gape’ at the dragon and ‘gulped’ some ‘grog’.

Q6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
Answer-
The rhyme scheme of each stanza of this poem is aabb.

Q7. 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-
Some such images used in the poem are ‘mouth like a fireplace’, ‘chimney for a nose’, ‘brave as a barrel full of bears’, ‘brave as a tiger in a rage’, ‘went at the pirate like a robin at a worm’, etc.

Q8. 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 almost a parody. The names of the pets of Belinda are all rhyming and funny. Belinda has been compared to a barrel full of bears. The kitten and mouse, both little, could chase lions down the stairs. The little yellow dog was as brave as a tiger, while the dragon was a coward and they all teased him. However, when the pirate came to their little house, all of them were engulfed in fear and had hid themselves. Ironically, the ‘cowardly’ dragon came to their rescue and jumped snorting like an engine. It clashed its tail and charged at the pirate like a robin at a worm and ate him up. Even as everybody became happy to see the bravery of the dragon, they again came back to glorifying themselves that they could have been twice or thrice braver than the dragon. Finally, at the end of the poem, the situation again came back to the other pets being brave and the dragon being the coward.

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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 - The Tale of Custard the Dragon

1. What is the story of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"?
Ans. "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is a poem written by Ogden Nash. It tells the story of a brave and fearless cat named Belinda and her pet dragon named Custard. While Belinda and her friends are courageous and adventurous, Custard is portrayed as a cowardly creature. However, when faced with a real threat, Custard surprises everyone by defeating the pirate and saving the day.
2. What is the main theme of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"?
Ans. The main theme of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. The poem challenges the stereotypes and expectations associated with different characters. Custard, despite being perceived as a coward, ultimately displays bravery when the situation demands it. The poem encourages the reader to not judge others based on initial impressions and to recognize the hidden strengths within individuals.
3. How does the poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" depict bravery?
Ans. In "The Tale of Custard the Dragon," bravery is depicted through the actions of Custard, the seemingly timid dragon. While Custard is initially portrayed as a coward, he surprises everyone by standing up to the pirate and saving Belinda and her friends. This act of bravery challenges the expectations set by Custard's character and highlights the notion that courage can be found in unexpected places.
4. What is the significance of the character Custard in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"?
Ans. Custard's character in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" holds significant symbolism. He represents the idea that bravery and courage can exist within individuals who may not fit the conventional image of a hero. Custard's transformation from a fearful dragon to a fearless protector emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances and recognizing the hidden potential within oneself and others.
5. How does the poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" teach us about courage and bravery?
Ans. "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" teaches us that courage and bravery are not always evident at first glance. The poem challenges the notion that only certain individuals possess these qualities. Custard, the character initially considered cowardly, ultimately displays immense courage when faced with danger. This teaches us to not judge others based on their initial demeanor and to recognize that bravery can arise in unexpected circumstances. The poem encourages readers to have faith in their own abilities and to look beyond superficial judgments of bravery.
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