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Question
How does Ogden Nash's The Tale of Custard the Dragon challenge the notion that individuals should conform to societal expectations?
Solution
Ogden Nash's "Tale of Custard the Dragon" can be interpreted as a subversion of societal expectations.
- He presents Belinda as a brave and independent female character (described as brave as a barrel full of bears, a trait stereotypically associated with masculinity). In contrast, the male characters (Ink, Blink, Mustard) are portrayed as weaker and less courageous.
- The actions of Ink, Blink, and Mustard seem motivated by fear of social judgment and ridicule - of being perceived as weak- while Custard is unafraid of crying for a nice safe cage.
- When faced with danger, Custard, the dragon, labelled a coward, is the one who steps up to defend Belinda and her household, while Ink, Blink, and Mustard flee or hide - find the courage to protect those he cares about.
The poem promotes the idea that everyone has unique talents and abilities and should be encouraged to pursue their passions and strengths, at their pace, rather than conforming to societal expectations or stereotypes.
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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?
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?
Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.
Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
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?
Do you find ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer.
This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.
A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Describe Custard the dragon.
Describe the pirate in the 'Tale of Custard the Dragon.'
Why did the pirate 'gape' at Belinda's dragon?
What did everyone laugh at the realio, trulio dragon?
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:
What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him.
