The-tale-of-custard-the-dragon-class-10-English-summary-questions-answers-cbse-ncert
SUMMARY
“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is a humorous ballad that narrates the story of Belinda, who lived with her pets—a kitten, a mouse, a little dog, and a dragon named Custard. While the kitten Ink, mouse Blink, and dog Mustard always boasted about their bravery, Custard remained humble and timid. Everyone mocked him, calling him cowardly. However, when a pirate with pistols suddenly attacked their house, the so-called brave pets hid in fear. To everyone’s surprise, Custard bravely fought the pirate, killed him, and saved everyone. Despite his heroic act, the others soon returned to boasting while Custard remained modest and quiet. The poem humorously conveys that true bravery lies in action, not in words.
THEME
True Bravery vs. False Bravado – Real courage is shown in deeds, not boasts.
Humility – Custard remains modest even after saving everyone.
Irony of Human Nature – People often boast but fail in crisis, unlike the quiet ones who rise to the occasion.
Humor and Satire – The poem playfully mocks empty pride while celebrating genuine courage.
GLOSSARY
Custard – The dragon in the poem.
Bravado – Pretending to be brave.
Giggled – Laughed lightly.
Ink – The little black kitten.
Blink – The little grey mouse.
Mustard – The brave little yellow dog.
Spikes – Sharp pointed parts on Custard’s body.
Teeth like spikes – Symbol of Custard’s dragon nature.
Chimney for a nose – Imaginary image of smoke coming out like a chimney.
Barrel full of bears – Imaginary description of Custard’s bravery.
Pirate – A sea robber.
Daggers – Small pointed knives.
Tickled – Teased.
Truly brave – Actually courageous.
Hero – Someone who saves others.
Irony – Opposite to what is expected.
Snorting – Making a sound through the nose.
Honest modesty – Being humble despite being powerful.
Belinda – The girl in the story.
Gaped – Stared in wonder.
SHORT QUESTION–ANSWERS
Q1. Who was Belinda?
Ans. Belinda was a little girl who lived in a little white house with her pets—a kitten named Ink, a mouse named Blink, a dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. She loved them dearly and thought they were brave.
Q2. Describe Custard the dragon.
Ans. Custard had big sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales, and nose like a chimney. He looked fierce but was timid and often wished for a safe cage. Unlike his appearance, his nature was gentle and cowardly.
Q3. Why was Custard called cowardly?
Ans. Custard was called cowardly because he was timid and never boasted of bravery like the other pets. He often wanted to live safely in a cage. This behavior made everyone mock him as a coward.
Q4. Who were Ink, Blink, and Mustard?
Ans. Ink was a black kitten, Blink was a little grey mouse, and Mustard was a yellow dog. All of them, including Belinda, boasted about their bravery and often mocked Custard for being timid.
Q5. What happened when the pirate entered the house?
Ans. When the pirate entered with pistols, all the so-called brave pets—Ink, Blink, and Mustard—ran away in fear. To everyone’s surprise, Custard fought bravely, killed the pirate, and saved the household.
Q6. How did Custard kill the pirate?
Ans. Custard roared fiercely, attacked the pirate, and swallowed him in one bite. His bravery shocked everyone who had always teased him as cowardly. It proved his real courage in a moment of crisis.
Q7. How did others react after Custard killed the pirate?
Ans. After Custard killed the pirate, everyone praised him for his bravery. However, soon they returned to their old ways, boasting of their bravery and mocking Custard again, while Custard remained modest and quiet.
Q8. Why is the poem humorous?
Ans. The poem is humorous because it shows irony—those who boasted of bravery ran away, while the timid Custard became the real hero. The playful names of pets and light-hearted descriptions add to the humor.
Q9. What does the poem teach about true bravery?
Ans. The poem teaches that true bravery lies in actions, not words. Custard, though mocked as cowardly, showed real courage when needed, unlike the others who only pretended to be brave.
Q10. Why did Custard remain humble after his brave act?
Ans. Custard remained humble because he did not boast or mock others despite saving everyone. His modesty showed that true heroes do not need to prove themselves with words but through their deeds.
Q11. What qualities did Belinda’s other pets claim to have?
Ans. Ink, Blink, and Mustard always boasted about their bravery. Ink said he could chase lions, Blink said he was fearless, and Mustard barked ferociously. But in reality, they all hid in fear when danger came.
Q12. What is the irony in the poem?
Ans. The irony lies in the fact that Custard, mocked as cowardly, was the only one who showed true courage, while the so-called brave pets turned out to be cowards in reality.
Q13. Why is Custard compared to a real hero?
Ans. Custard is compared to a real hero because he displayed true courage during danger by killing the pirate and protecting everyone, without ever boasting about his bravery.
Q14. How does the poet use exaggeration in the poem?
Ans. The poet exaggerates while describing Custard’s appearance—like “teeth like spikes” and “nose like a chimney.” These hyperboles create humor and make the dragon sound fierce yet ironically timid.
Q15. What lesson does the poem give?
Ans. The poem teaches that actions speak louder than words. Empty boasting is meaningless, while real courage is tested only in times of crisis. Humility is also a mark of true greatness.
Q16. Why did the other pets make fun of Custard?
The other pets teased Custard because he looked timid and cowardly. While Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard showed bravery, Custard asked for a safe cage, which made him appear weak.
Q17. What happened when the pirate entered Belinda’s house?
When the pirate entered with pistols and a knife, everyone except Custard ran away in fear. This sudden danger revealed the true bravery of Custard.
Q18. How did Custard prove his courage?
Custard bravely attacked the pirate. He snorted like an engine, charged forward, and swallowed the pirate in one gulp, proving his hidden strength.
Q19. How did Belinda react after Custard killed the pirate?
Belinda embraced Custard, showing gratitude and joy. She realized his real courage, unlike the others who only pretended to be brave.
Q20. What was ironic about the behaviour of Ink, Blink, and Mustard?
They always boasted of bravery but ran away when real danger arrived. Ironically, Custard, whom they mocked, turned out to be the true hero.
Q21. What lesson does the poem give about appearances?
The poem teaches that appearances can be deceptive. Custard seemed cowardly, but in reality, he was the bravest of all.
Q22. Why did Custard always ask for a cage?
Custard preferred a cage because he wanted safety and comfort. Unlike the others who pretended bravery, Custard admitted his fears openly.
Q23. How is Custard different from Mustard the dog?
Mustard boasted of bravery but ran away during danger, while Custard, though timid, fought the pirate bravely and saved everyone.
Q24. Why do you think the poet used animals as characters?
The poet used animals to make the poem entertaining, humorous, and simple. Their behaviour reflects human qualities like boasting, cowardice, and hidden bravery.
Q25. How does humour play a role in the poem?
The humour comes from the names of the pets, Custard’s demand for a cage, and the irony that the so-called brave ones run away while the timid Custard acts heroically.
Q26. Why is Custard called “cowardly dragon”?
Custard is called cowardly because he often asked for a cage and avoided risky situations, unlike the others who pretended to be bold.
Q27. How is Belinda’s house described?
Belinda’s house is described as a little white house with a red-tiled roof. She lived there with her pets Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard.
Q28. What qualities of Custard are revealed in the poem?
Custard appears timid, honest, and humble. Yet, when danger comes, he becomes fearless, powerful, and heroic, swallowing the pirate courageously.
Q29. What does the poem say about real courage?
The poem suggests that true courage is shown in actions, not in words. Custard proved his bravery when it was most needed.
Q30. Why do Ink, Blink, and Mustard continue boasting after the incident?
Even after running away, they pretend they could have fought the pirate. This shows their refusal to admit fear and their love for boasting.
LONG QUESTION ANSWER
Q1. Describe Belinda and her pets as given in the poem.
Belinda lived in a little white house with her pets: a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog called Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. Belinda was brave, and her pets always boasted of their courage. Ink and Blink claimed to be fierce, Mustard bragged about his bravery, and Belinda was bold. In contrast, Custard was quiet, timid, and always asked for a safe cage. The pets mocked him for his cowardice. However, the story takes a twist when a pirate attacks, and all the so-called brave ones run away. Custard alone fights and kills the pirate. The description of Belinda and her pets highlights the contrast between boasting and real courage, making the poem humorous yet meaningful.
Q2. Why did the other animals consider Custard a coward? Did he deserve this title?
The other animals considered Custard a coward because he always longed for a cage and avoided risky situations. Unlike Ink, Blink, and Mustard, who boasted of their bravery, Custard never pretended to be fearless. Instead, he honestly admitted his timid nature, which made the others tease him. However, this judgment was unfair. When the pirate entered Belinda’s house with pistols and a knife, the supposedly brave pets ran away in fear. Custard, on the other hand, displayed unexpected courage. He fought bravely and swallowed the pirate whole, saving everyone. This act proved that Custard was not truly cowardly but only modest and honest about his feelings. Thus, he did not deserve the title of “coward.”
Q3. How did the pets react when the pirate entered the house? What does this show about them?
When the pirate entered Belinda’s house, the behaviour of the pets revealed their true nature. Ink, Blink, and Mustard, who always boasted of their bravery, immediately ran away in fear. Belinda herself cried for help, showing she was helpless. In contrast, Custard, the so-called coward, remained calm and ready. He roared like an engine, charged at the pirate, and swallowed him in one gulp. This reaction shows that the other pets only pretended to be brave but lacked real courage when danger arrived. Custard, who was mocked for his cowardice, demonstrated genuine strength and heroism. Their behaviour highlights the difference between false pride and true bravery.
Q4. Explain the irony in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon.”
The poem is filled with irony, which creates humour and conveys the central message. The irony lies in the fact that Custard, who was mocked as cowardly, turns out to be the bravest of all. Ink, Blink, Mustard, and even Belinda claimed to be bold but ran away when real danger appeared. Custard, who longed for a safe cage, displayed true courage by fighting and killing the pirate. The contrast between appearance and reality forms the essence of irony in the poem. It teaches that one should not judge others based on outward behaviour. Real courage is revealed in actions, not words. This irony makes the poem entertaining and leaves a valuable lesson about humility and truth.
Q5. What qualities of Custard make him different from the other pets?
Custard stands out among Belinda’s pets due to his honesty and modesty. Unlike Ink, Blink, and Mustard, who constantly brag about their courage, Custard openly admits his fears and asks for a safe cage. This honesty makes others mock him as cowardly. However, when true danger comes in the form of a pirate, Custard’s hidden strength and courage emerge. He roars powerfully, attacks fearlessly, and swallows the pirate, saving everyone. His bravery is shown in action rather than words. Custard is different because he neither pretends to be bold nor seeks praise. His modesty, honesty, and unexpected heroism make him unique and admirable.
Q6. How does the poet use humour in the poem?
The poet Ogden Nash skillfully uses humour to make the poem engaging and enjoyable. First, the names of the pets like Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard sound amusing. Their exaggerated claims of bravery also add comic effect. The greatest humour arises from irony: the so-called brave ones run away, while the timid Custard turns into the hero. The description of Custard asking for a cage also seems funny but highlights his humility. The pirate scene, though serious, is also presented humorously with Custard swallowing him in a single gulp. This mixture of humour and irony makes the poem entertaining while teaching the lesson that appearances can be deceptive and real courage lies in action.
Q7. Describe the pirate’s appearance and entry into Belinda’s house.
The pirate entered Belinda’s house carrying pistols in both hands and a shining cutlass in his teeth. His threatening look terrified everyone. Belinda cried for help, while Ink, Blink, and Mustard ran away in fear. The description of the pirate is vivid and dramatic, creating tension in the humorous poem. The poet highlights the contrast between the pirate’s fierce appearance and the pets’ reactions. Only Custard, who was mocked as cowardly, showed no fear and prepared to face the intruder. The pirate’s arrival serves as the turning point of the poem because it provides Custard with an opportunity to prove his bravery. His bold action against the pirate teaches the lesson that real courage is revealed in times of danger, not in boasting.
Q8. How did Custard attack and defeat the pirate?
When the pirate entered, Custard displayed unexpected courage. He snorted like an engine, clashed his tail like iron, and roared like a volcano. With his terrifying presence, he charged at the pirate. The pirate tried to defend himself with pistols and a knife, but Custard overpowered him completely. In one swift move, Custard swallowed the pirate whole, leaving no trace of him. This heroic action saved Belinda and the pets, who had run away in fear. Custard’s attack was both brave and effective, proving his real strength. His actions highlight the message that true bravery is shown through deeds, not words. The defeat of the pirate symbolizes the victory of honesty and humility over empty pride and false boasting.
Q9. How did Belinda and the pets react after Custard killed the pirate?
After Custard killed the pirate, Belinda’s reaction was full of love and gratitude. She embraced her dragon, appreciating his heroism. However, Ink, Blink, and Mustard, instead of admitting their cowardice, pretended that they too could have fought the pirate if they wanted to. This behaviour highlights the hypocrisy of those who boast but do not act when needed. The pets were quick to return to their old ways of mocking Custard, showing their unwillingness to accept reality. Belinda, on the other hand, seemed genuinely thankful, showing her caring nature. The contrasting reactions reveal the central irony of the poem—that the so-called brave ones are pretenders, while the supposedly cowardly Custard proves to be the real saviour.
Q10. What message does the poem convey about bravery and boasting?
The poem delivers the important message that true bravery lies in action, not in words. Belinda’s pets—Ink, Blink, and Mustard—constantly boasted about their courage, but when faced with real danger, they all ran away. In contrast, Custard never bragged about his strength. In fact, he admitted his fears honestly and longed for a safe cage. Yet, when the pirate attacked, Custard demonstrated real courage by fighting and killing him. This contrast highlights that boasting is meaningless if one cannot act bravely in difficult situations. The poem teaches us not to judge people by outward appearances or words but by their actions in times of crisis.
Q11. Discuss the role of irony in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon.”
Irony is the backbone of the poem. The so-called brave pets—Ink, Blink, and Mustard—run away when real danger comes, while Custard, mocked as cowardly, proves to be the true hero. The irony also lies in the way the pets return to their boasting even after Custard saves them. This creates humour but also delivers a deeper message about human nature. People often pretend to be strong, but in reality, they may fail in difficult situations. On the other hand, those who appear weak or timid may show great strength when it is most required. This irony makes the poem not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
Q12. What lesson can we learn from Custard’s character?
Custard’s character teaches us several lessons. First, he shows the value of honesty. Unlike the others, he never pretended to be brave; instead, he admitted his fears openly. Second, he demonstrates that true courage is revealed in action, not in talk. Though timid in appearance, Custard fought bravely when danger arrived. Third, his humility stands out—he never boasted about his strength even after saving everyone. The lesson is that we should not underestimate people who seem weak, nor should we overestimate those who boast. Real strength lies in modesty, honesty, and the ability to act at the right moment. Custard’s character is a reminder that appearances can be deceptive.
Q13. Compare and contrast the characters of Custard and Mustard.
Mustard, the dog, is described as bold and brave. He often boasted about his courage and gave the impression of being fearless. However, when the pirate appeared, Mustard ran away in fear, showing that his bravery was only in words. On the other hand, Custard was mocked for being cowardly because he longed for a cage. He never pretended to be bold. Yet, in the face of danger, Custard displayed real courage. He fought the pirate fearlessly and swallowed him whole. The contrast between Custard and Mustard highlights the difference between false pride and genuine bravery. While Mustard represents empty boasting, Custard symbolizes true heroism.
Q14. How does the poet create humour in the poem?
The poet Ogden Nash uses several techniques to create humour. The amusing names of the characters—Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard—make the poem light-hearted. The exaggerated descriptions, such as Custard’s clanging tail and roaring like a volcano, add comic effect. The biggest source of humour comes from irony: the brave ones run away while the timid Custard becomes the hero. The playful rhythm and rhyming words also contribute to the humorous tone. Even the pirate’s dramatic entry and sudden death add an element of comedy. Overall, humour is used not only for entertainment but also to deliver a meaningful message about real courage.
Q15. Describe the setting of Belinda’s house.
Belinda lived in a little white house with a red-tiled roof. The house was cozy and homely, reflecting simplicity. She shared it with her four pets: Ink, the black kitten; Blink, the little mouse; Mustard, the yellow dog; and Custard, the dragon. The house seemed cheerful, with Belinda often boasting of her courage and the pets behaving in a lively manner. However, the calm setting turned tense when the pirate suddenly entered. This ordinary household then became the stage for Custard’s heroism. The setting of the house plays an important role because it contrasts with the extraordinary event of a pirate’s attack, making the story both humorous and adventurous.
Q16. Do you think Belinda was truly brave? Justify your answer.
Belinda often claimed to be brave and was described as bold by the poet. However, when the pirate entered her house, her reaction suggested otherwise. She screamed in fear and called for help instead of facing the danger. This shows that her bravery existed only in words, not in action. Compared to Custard, who displayed true courage by fighting and killing the pirate, Belinda’s bravery appears weak. Therefore, it can be said that she was not truly brave. The poem highlights that bravery cannot be judged by self-praise but only by one’s actions during difficult situations. Belinda’s behaviour adds to the central irony of the poem.
Q17. How does the poem highlight the difference between appearance and reality?
The poem strongly highlights the difference between appearance and reality. Belinda and her pets appeared brave, boasting about their courage and mocking Custard for his supposed cowardice. In reality, however, they ran away when danger came. Custard, on the other hand, appeared timid and cowardly because he always asked for a cage. But in reality, he proved to be the bravest when he fought and killed the pirate. This contrast teaches the lesson that appearances can be deceptive. Real courage is not about showing off but about taking action when needed. The poem humorously yet meaningfully conveys this difference between what people seem to be and what they actually are.
Q18. What role does Custard play in saving Belinda and her pets?
Custard plays the most important role in the poem. When the pirate enters with weapons, everyone else runs away in fear. Belinda cries for help, Ink and Blink hide, and Mustard flees. Only Custard faces the pirate. With his immense strength and fearless spirit, he attacks and swallows the pirate whole. This act saves Belinda and her pets from certain danger. Without Custard, the situation could have been disastrous. His role proves that he is the real hero, despite being mocked earlier. The incident highlights the theme that true courage is revealed in action, not in empty words. Custard’s role is central to the poem’s message and outcome.
Q19. Why do you think the pets went back to mocking Custard after the incident?
After Custard killed the pirate, the pets still mocked him and continued boasting about their bravery. This shows their pride and unwillingness to accept their weakness. They did not want to admit that Custard was superior to them in courage. Instead, they claimed that they too could have fought the pirate if they had wanted. Their behaviour reflects human nature, where people often refuse to acknowledge others’ strengths and continue to boast about themselves. This also adds humour and irony to the poem. It teaches that some people may never accept the truth, even when it is obvious.
Q20. How is Custard’s bravery described in the poem?
Custard’s bravery is described with powerful imagery and comparisons. When the pirate entered, Custard snorted like an engine, clashed his tail like iron, and roared like a volcano. These vivid descriptions highlight his sudden transformation from a timid dragon to a fierce fighter. His courage was not in boasting but in action. He fearlessly faced the pirate, who had deadly weapons, and swallowed him whole. The description shows that Custard’s bravery was real, unlike the fake courage of the other pets. The poet uses strong words and similes to emphasize Custard’s strength, making his heroism stand out clearly in the poem.
Q21. Why is Custard considered the real hero of the poem?
Custard is the real hero because, unlike the boasting pets, he acts bravely when danger arrives. When the pirate enters Belinda’s house with pistols, Ink, Blink, and Mustard run away, leaving Belinda helpless. Custard, though timid and previously mocked, faces the pirate without fear. He roars, charges, and swallows the pirate, saving everyone. His courage is genuine, in contrast to the false bravado of the others. Custard’s heroism demonstrates that real bravery lies in action, not in words or appearances. The poem highlights that humility and modesty can accompany true courage, making Custard both heroic and admirable.
Q22. How does the poet create irony in the poem?
The poet uses irony by contrasting the pets’ words and actions. Ink, Blink, and Mustard constantly boast about their bravery but run away at the first sign of danger. Custard, who is mocked as cowardly, proves himself brave by defeating the pirate. This ironic twist is humorous yet instructive, showing that appearances can be misleading. It emphasizes the theme that true courage is demonstrated through action, not through empty boasting. The irony also teaches a moral lesson: those who appear timid may possess hidden strength, while those who boast may fail in critical moments.
Q23. Describe the pirate’s attack and its effect on the pets.
When the pirate enters Belinda’s house, he carries pistols and a cutlass, creating fear and chaos. Ink, Blink, and Mustard, who always boasted about courage, immediately hide or flee. Belinda cries for help, showing her helplessness. Only Custard confronts the pirate, displaying unexpected courage. The pirate’s attack serves as a turning point, revealing the true nature of each character. While others fail to act bravely, Custard demonstrates that genuine heroism does not rely on boasting but on action. The episode teaches readers that crisis situations reveal true courage and character.
Q24. How do Custard’s actions reflect humility?
Despite defeating the pirate and saving everyone, Custard remains humble. He does not boast about his heroic deed, unlike the other pets who continue to brag despite having fled. Custard quietly goes about his life, showing that true bravery is accompanied by modesty. This humility contrasts sharply with the false pride of the boasting pets and teaches readers that a real hero does not seek recognition or praise but acts rightly when required. Custard’s modesty enhances his admirable character.
Q25. What role does humour play in the poem?
Humour is central to the poem. The amusing names of the pets—Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard—add a light-hearted tone. Exaggerated descriptions, such as Custard snorting like an engine and roaring like a volcano, make events entertaining. The irony of the so-called brave pets running away while the timid dragon becomes the hero creates comic effect. Even the pirate’s dramatic defeat is humorous. The humour makes the poem engaging and memorable, while also conveying important messages about bravery, humility, and appearances.
Q26. How is the theme of appearance versus reality depicted?
The poem shows that appearances can be deceptive. Custard appears timid and cowardly, longing for a safe cage, while the other pets appear brave through constant boasting. When danger arrives, the reality emerges: Custard is truly courageous, while the others run away. This contrast highlights that external appearances do not define a person’s character. The poem teaches that true strength and bravery are revealed through actions, not looks or words. It also encourages humility and honesty as key qualities.
Q27. Why do the boasting pets continue to act proud after the pirate incident?
After Custard defeats the pirate, Ink, Blink, and Mustard continue to boast about their bravery. They pretend they could have fought the pirate, even though they ran away. This behaviour shows human-like pride and reluctance to admit failure. Their continued boasting adds humour and irony to the poem, while contrasting sharply with Custard’s modesty. It highlights that empty words and appearances cannot replace real courage, reinforcing the poem’s moral lesson.
Q28. What does the poem teach about judging others?
The poem teaches that one should not judge others based on appearances or words. Custard, who seemed cowardly, turned out to be the bravest. The other pets, who constantly boasted, failed when action was needed. Judging based on outward behaviour can be misleading. The poem encourages readers to value honesty, modesty, and actions over empty claims. It also shows that courage and heroism can come from unexpected sources.
Q29. How does the pirate incident serve as a turning point in the poem?
The pirate’s sudden attack is the poem’s turning point. Until then, Custard is mocked as cowardly, and the pets boast of bravery. The pirate’s threat forces the characters to respond, revealing true courage. While the boasting pets hide, Custard confronts the pirate and saves everyone. This incident changes the perception of Custard, demonstrating that real bravery is proven under pressure. It also reinforces the poem’s themes of humility, action over words, and the irony of appearances.
Q30. Summarize the main moral of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon.”
The main moral is that true bravery is shown through action, not boasting. Appearances can be deceptive; those who seem timid may possess hidden courage, while those who boast may fail in real danger. Humility, honesty, and modesty are qualities of a real hero. The poem, through humour and irony, teaches readers to value deeds over words and to respect courage in all forms. Custard’s heroism exemplifies these lessons, making the poem both entertaining and instructive.
