Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 Previous Year Questions - The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Ans: Nash uses playful language and whimsical tone throughout the poem. Phrases like "His mouth like a fireplace" and "His toes could cut like a knife" create vivid and amusing images. Additionally, the poem's playful tone is enhanced by the pet names, which include Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard.

Ans: When Custard accepts that the other animals are braver than him, it reveals his humility. He does not boast about his bravery like the other animals and takes a humble stance. However, when the situation arises, Custard becomes a true hero and takes charge.

Ans: The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is not a traditional ballad as a ballad narrates the tale of courage and heroism and are usually not humorous. However, this poem is different as it is a humorous ballad that ends with a parody.

Ans: Fable is a fictitious narrative usually with animals, birds, etc. as characters. It also conveys a strong message. On the other hand, a ballad is a narrative verse that can be silly or heroic. The theme of a ballad is an adventure, bravery, romance etc. It is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous and fictitious story of a dragon named Custard and how he bravely saved everyone from a pirate. The poem may have all the qualities of a ballad but it is a parody. Thus, it qualifies more as a fable than a ballad. 

Ans: Custard the Dragon is a character in the poem who is initially portrayed as a cowardly dragon. However, he later proves this tag to be untrue by displaying bravery and courage.

Ans: When a pirate appeared, everyone refused to attack except Custard. He faced the pirate courageously, jumping in front of him and making dangerous gestures. The pirate fired shots at Custard, but he managed to swallow the pirate whole, proving his bravery.

Ans: A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an adventure, bravery, romance, etc. The ballad is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. The Tale of Custard the Dragon has these qualities. But it is a parody of a ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a humorous way. 

Ans: 
HINTS:

• Custard was always teased as being the cowardly one, by all others.
• When the pirate arrived, others ran away to hide 
• Custard was the only one who stood up to fight with him/who attacked him.

Ans: (a) Custard the dragon was tickled by Belinda.
(b) She tickled him in order to tease or make fun of him.
(c) Ink is a black kitten, Blink is a little grey mouse, and Mustard is a dog.
(d) They all laughed at 'him' because they thought he was a coward. 

Ans: (a) Belinda is the little girl who is the owner of the cat, mouse, dog, and the dragon.
(b) Belinda and the other pets sat in a little red wagon and laughed at the dragon.
(c) The word that means the same as 'unkind' in this extract is 'rudely'.