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Question
Do you find ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer.
Solution
‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a very light and funny poem meant to be enjoyed by everyone. The way the poem has been written with a fix rhyme scheme, makes it very easy and enjoyable to read. The poet has even used wrong spelling to maintain the rhyme scheme. The features of Belinda and her pets described in the poem make it quite funny. Belinda’s bravery has been compared to a barrel full of bears, a liquid substance. All the tiny creatures such as the kitten and the mouse have been shown so brave that they can scare a lion and the dog’s bravery is like a tiger’s rage. The biggest of them all, the dragon is the only one, who has been shown as a coward and soft being, who looks for a cage for himself, which is very ironic, hence making the poem funny.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
“Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful…” Why?
Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.
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?
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Describe Custard the dragon.
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How did Custard prove 'the cowardly dragon' tag to be untrue?
What did everyone laugh at the realio, trulio dragon?
How was Belinda's behaviour with the dragon?
How does Ogden Nash's The Tale of Custard the Dragon challenge the notion that individuals should conform to societal expectations?
Answer the following in about 40-50 words:
Describe how Custard the dragon fights with the Pirate.
Answer the following in about 40-50 words:
Describe the pirate who comes through the window.
Read the following extract and answer the questions:
| Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, But Custard cried for a nice safe cage. |
- Comment upon the contrast that is reflected in the last two lines of the extract.
- Fill in the blank with one word.
While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker says that they could chase lions down the stairs.
By saying so, he is revealing the _______ characteristic of their personality. - Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines in about 40 words.
- Which of the following best describes the theme of the poem?
- Bravery and heroism
- Humility leads to bravery
- Valour and diligence
- Crisis reveals character
