CBSE Class 10 English – First Flight (Poem 9: The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
20 Important Questions and Answers
(As per CBSE 2026–27 Pattern)
1. Why was Custard called a cowardly dragon?
Answer:
Custard was called a cowardly dragon because he always appeared frightened and constantly asked for a safe cage to protect himself. While Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard proudly claimed to be brave, Custard seemed timid and fearful. Because of this behavior, everyone laughed at him and made fun of his cowardice. However, the poem later reveals that true courage is shown in difficult situations. When a dangerous pirate entered the house, Custard was the only one who faced him and protected everyone. Thus, although he was called a coward, his actions proved that he was actually the bravest character in the poem.
2. Describe Belinda and her pets.
Answer:
Belinda lived in a little white house with her four pets—a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. The poet describes Belinda as very brave, comparing her courage to a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink are shown as fearless creatures who can chase lions, while Mustard is compared to an angry tiger. Custard, on the other hand, is presented as timid and always longing for a safe cage. The poem humorously contrasts the personalities of the pets and later shows that appearances and claims of bravery can be misleading.
3. How did the other pets treat Custard?
Answer:
The other pets treated Custard badly and often mocked him for being afraid. Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard laughed at him whenever he asked for a safe cage. They called him names and enjoyed making fun of his timid nature. Belinda tickled him unmercifully, while the others teased him and questioned his courage. They believed that they were much braver than Custard and never missed a chance to humiliate him. However, when the pirate entered the house, the truth came out. Custard alone faced the danger, proving that bravery is measured by actions rather than words or appearances.
4. Describe the appearance of Custard the Dragon.
Answer:
Custard was a dragon with a frightening appearance. He had big sharp teeth, spikes on top of his body, and scales underneath. His mouth looked like a fireplace, and his nose resembled a chimney. The poet also says that he had daggers on his toes, making him appear fierce and dangerous. Despite his powerful appearance, Custard behaved timidly and always wanted a safe cage. This contrast between his looks and behavior creates humor in the poem. Later, when he bravely fights the pirate, readers realize that his frightening appearance matches his true strength and courage.
5. Who was the pirate and how was he described?
Answer:
The pirate was an intruder who entered Belinda’s house and threatened everyone. The poet describes him as a frightening figure with pistols in both hands and a bright cutlass held between his teeth. He had a black beard and a wooden leg, making him look like a typical dangerous pirate from adventure stories. His appearance immediately created fear among Belinda and her pets. The pirate clearly had evil intentions and frightened everyone present. However, despite his scary appearance and weapons, he was eventually defeated by Custard, who fearlessly attacked and swallowed him.
6. How did Belinda and her pets react when they saw the pirate?
Answer:
When the pirate entered the house, Belinda and her pets became terrified. Belinda turned pale and cried loudly for help. Mustard, who was considered very brave, ran away with a frightened yelp. Ink quietly hid himself at the bottom of the house, while Blink quickly disappeared into a mouse hole. Their reactions showed that their earlier claims of bravery were only words. When real danger appeared, they failed to face it. In contrast, Custard, who was always called a coward, bravely confronted the pirate and saved everyone. This incident exposes the difference between boasting and true courage.
7. How did Custard defeat the pirate?
Answer:
Custard defeated the pirate through his courage and strength. As soon as he saw the danger, he jumped forward, snorting like an engine. He clashed his tail loudly and moved fiercely toward the pirate. The pirate was shocked by Custard’s terrifying appearance and tried to defend himself by firing two bullets. However, both shots missed the dragon. Without hesitation, Custard attacked the pirate and swallowed him completely. His quick and fearless action saved Belinda and the other pets from harm. Through this incident, Custard proved that real bravery is shown through actions in times of danger.
8. What message does the poem convey about bravery?
Answer:
The poem teaches that true bravery is revealed through actions and not through boasting. Belinda and her pets constantly claimed to be brave and mocked Custard for his fearfulness. However, when a real threat appeared in the form of a pirate, they all ran away and hid. Custard, who was always called a coward, courageously faced the danger and protected everyone. The poem shows that people should not judge others based on appearances or words. Sometimes those who seem weak or fearful possess great courage. The poem also reminds readers that humility is often a sign of genuine strength and character.
9. Why is the poem considered humorous?
Answer:
The poem is humorous because it presents amusing situations and unexpected contrasts. Custard looks like a fierce dragon with sharp teeth and spikes, yet he behaves like a frightened creature who wants a safe cage. On the other hand, the supposedly brave characters panic and run away when the pirate appears. The poet also uses funny expressions, playful language, and exaggerated descriptions to entertain readers. The unusual names of the pets and the rhythmic storytelling add to the comic effect. The sudden reversal of roles, where the coward becomes the hero, creates humor while also conveying an important lesson.
10. Explain the role of Custard as the hero of the poem.
Answer:
Custard emerges as the true hero of the poem because he protects everyone when danger strikes. Throughout the poem, he is ridiculed and called cowardly because he frequently asks for a safe cage. However, when a pirate enters Belinda’s house, the supposedly brave characters flee in fear. Custard alone stands firm and confronts the intruder. He attacks the pirate fearlessly and swallows him, saving Belinda and the others. His actions prove that heroism is not about appearing brave but about acting courageously in difficult situations. Therefore, Custard becomes the unexpected hero and central figure of the poem.
11. What happened after Custard defeated the pirate?
Answer:
After Custard defeated and swallowed the pirate, everyone felt relieved and happy. Belinda hugged Custard affectionately, and Mustard licked him in appreciation. Ink and Blink danced around joyfully because the danger had passed. No one felt sorry for the pirate because he had entered their house with bad intentions. However, despite Custard’s bravery, the others soon returned to their old behavior. They continued to think of themselves as brave and treated Custard as a coward. This ending adds humor to the poem and highlights how people often ignore the truth even after witnessing it directly.
12. How does the poet create suspense in the poem?
Answer:
The poet creates suspense by introducing the pirate suddenly and describing him as a dangerous character. The repeated use of words like “suddenly” makes readers curious and alert. The pirate’s frightening appearance, pistols, black beard, and wooden leg increase the tension. Readers wonder what will happen to Belinda and her pets. The fear shown by the characters further adds suspense. When everyone except Custard runs away, the situation becomes even more serious. The suspense reaches its peak when Custard confronts the pirate, and it is finally resolved when the dragon defeats him and saves everyone.
13. What qualities of Custard are revealed in the poem?
Answer:
The poem reveals several important qualities of Custard. Although he appears fearful and often asks for a safe cage, he is actually brave, loyal, and protective. He does not hesitate to face danger when his friends are threatened. His courage becomes evident when he confronts the pirate while everyone else runs away. Custard is also humble because he never boasts about his bravery. Even after saving everyone, he continues to behave modestly. These qualities make him a lovable and admirable character. The poem teaches that true strength often exists behind a quiet and humble personality.
14. What role does exaggeration play in the poem?
Answer:
Exaggeration is an important poetic device used throughout the poem to create humor and entertainment. Belinda is described as being as brave as a barrel full of bears, while Ink and Blink are said to chase lions down the stairs. Mustard is compared to an angry tiger. These exaggerated descriptions make the characters seem unusually brave. Similarly, Custard’s frightening appearance is exaggerated with images of spikes, daggers, and fire. The poet uses these overstatements to make the story amusing and playful. Exaggeration also helps highlight the contrast between the characters’ claims of bravery and their actual behavior.
15. Why do you think Custard continued to cry for a safe cage even after proving his bravery?
Answer:
Custard continued to cry for a safe cage because being brave in one situation does not completely remove a person’s fears. His natural personality remained cautious and timid despite his heroic act. The poet uses this detail to add humor and show that people do not change overnight. It also suggests that courage does not mean the absence of fear. A truly brave person can feel afraid and still do the right thing when necessary. Custard’s behavior after the incident emphasizes his humble nature and reinforces the poem’s message that bravery is demonstrated through actions rather than constant confidence or boasting.
16. How is the theme of appearance versus reality presented in the poem?
Answer:
The poem strongly presents the contrast between appearance and reality. Custard looks like a terrifying dragon with sharp teeth, spikes, and scales, yet everyone considers him a coward. On the other hand, Belinda and her pets appear brave and constantly boast about their courage. However, when the pirate enters, the reality becomes clear. The so-called brave characters run away, while Custard courageously faces the danger. This contrast teaches readers not to judge others based on outward appearances or public opinions. True character is revealed through actions, especially during difficult situations. The poem effectively uses this theme to deliver its moral lesson.
17. What is the significance of the names Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard?
Answer:
The names of the pets add humor and charm to the poem. The black kitten is named Ink because its color resembles black ink. The tiny grey mouse is called Blink, suggesting quick movement. The yellow dog is named Mustard because mustard is yellow in color. The dragon is called Custard, a soft dessert, which humorously contrasts with his fierce appearance. These unusual and playful names create a light-hearted atmosphere and make the characters memorable. The names also reflect the poet’s creativity and contribute to the comic tone that runs throughout the poem.
18. Why is “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” called a ballad?
Answer:
“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is called a ballad because it tells a complete story in verse form. Ballads are narrative poems that often describe adventures, heroic actions, or interesting events. This poem narrates the story of Belinda, her pets, the arrival of a pirate, and Custard’s brave act. It follows a clear sequence of events and uses simple language, rhythm, and rhyme to make the story engaging. The poem also contains elements of action, humor, and heroism, which are common features of traditional ballads. Therefore, it fits the characteristics of a ballad very well.
19. How does Ogden Nash use poetic devices in the poem?
Answer:
Ogden Nash uses several poetic devices to make the poem lively and entertaining. Similes are used in comparisons such as Custard snorting like an engine and attacking the pirate like a robin chasing a worm. Alliteration appears in phrases that repeat similar sounds, creating rhythm. Repetition of expressions like “realio, trulio” adds musical quality and humor. Exaggeration is used to describe the bravery of the characters and the appearance of Custard. The poem also follows a regular rhyme scheme that makes it enjoyable to read. These poetic devices enhance both the meaning and the entertainment value of the poem.
20. What moral lesson do you learn from the poem?
Answer:
The poem teaches several valuable lessons. The most important lesson is that true courage is shown through actions rather than words. People who boast about their bravery may fail in difficult situations, while quiet and humble individuals may prove to be truly courageous. The poem also warns against judging others based on appearances or first impressions. Custard was mocked because he seemed cowardly, but he ultimately became the hero. Another lesson is that humility is a positive quality. Even after performing a heroic act, Custard remained modest. Thus, the poem encourages readers to value inner strength, kindness, and genuine courage over empty claims.