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    7.2. The Tale of Custard the Dragon - Class 10 - First Flight



    šŸ“˜ Chapter Title and Author: The Tale of Custard the Dragon

    Author:Ā Ogden Nash

    Textbook:Ā First Flight

    Genre:Ā Narrative Poem / Ballad / Humorous Verse


    šŸ“ Summary

    ā€œThe Tale of Custard the Dragonā€ is a humorous ballad about a little girl named Belinda and her unusual pets: a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a cowardly dragon named Custard. Despite his frightening appearanceā€”sharp teeth, spiked back, and daggers on his toesā€”Custard is mocked for constantly crying for a "nice safe cage," unlike the other seemingly brave animals.

    One day, a pirate breaks into their home, frightening everyone except Custard. To everyoneā€™s surprise, Custard displays unmatched courage, fighting and eating up the pirate. After the danger passes, the others go back to boasting about their bravery, while Custard humbly agrees that they are braver than him. The poem humorously points out how true courage is often hidden beneath modesty and appearances, making a gentle commentary on human nature.


    šŸ‘¤ Character Sketch:

    Custard the Dragon

    Custard, despite his terrifying looks, is portrayed as a timid and peace-loving dragon. He desires safety and avoids confrontation. However, when a real threat appears, Custard shows remarkable bravery, saving everyone. His actions prove that courage lies in deeds, not in words or appearances. His humble acceptance of othersā€™ claims afterward makes him even more endearing.


    šŸ“š Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Appearance vs Reality

    Custard looks fierce but is gentle; the others look brave but panic in danger.

    Bravery and Cowardice

    True bravery is proven by actions, not by boasting.

    Humor and Irony

    The poem is full of ironic contrasts that create a humorous tone.

    Self-Perception vs Truth

    Characters believe themselves brave, but reality contradicts their belief.

    āœØ Poetic Devices

    Device

    Example

    Effect

    Simile

    ā€œAs brave as a barrel full of bearsā€

    Emphasizes exaggerated bravery

    Alliteration

    ā€œBelinda was as brave as a barrelā€

    Creates musical rhythm

    Repetition

    ā€œRealio, trulioā€

    Adds humor and rhyme

    Imagery

    ā€œMouth like a fireplace, chimney for a noseā€

    Vivid description of Custardā€™s looks

    Rhyme Scheme

    AABB (throughout most of the poem)

    Maintains rhythm and ballad structure

    Irony

    Coward Custard turns out to be the real hero

    Builds humor and surprise

    šŸ“– Title Justification

    The title ā€œThe Tale of Custard the Dragonā€Ā is apt because the entire poem revolves around the dragon, Custard. Though he is ridiculed for being a coward, the story eventually reveals his hidden courage. His tale humorously reverses the typical heroic narrative, making the title fitting and ironic.


    āœ… One-Mark Questions

    1. What did Custard always cry for?

      Custard always cried for a "nice safe cage."


    2. Why was the dragon called cowardly?

      He was called cowardly because he feared danger and wanted safety.


    3. Who was Belindaā€™s little black kitten?

      Belindaā€™s black kitten was named Ink.


    4. What did the pirate carry in his teeth?

      The pirate carried a shining cutlass in his teeth.


    5. What happened to the pirate in the end?

      Custard gobbled the pirate up completely.


    āœ… Three-Mark Questions

    1. Describe the irony in the poem.

      The irony lies in how the so-called brave characters flee in fear, while Custard, mocked as cowardly, defeats the pirate. This reversal makes the poem humorous and highlights that appearances can be deceptive.


    2. How is Custard described physically?

      Custard is described with big sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales underneath, and toes like daggers. His nose is like a chimney and his mouth like a fireplace, giving him a fierce look.


    3. Why does Custard not boast after saving everyone?

      Custard remains humble and agrees that others are braver than him, showing he doesnā€™t need praise to validate his courage, which sets him apart from the others.


    šŸ§  Value-Based Question

    What lesson can we learn from Custardā€™s character in the poem?

    Custard teaches us that true bravery is not about boasting or appearances but about facing real danger when the moment comes. His humility after the heroic act emphasizes the value of modesty and actions over words.


    End


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