The Tale of Custard the Dragon Class 10 English First Flight Poem 9 Summary is available here. This summary is created by the subject experts of our website CBSE Wale. By reading this summary, students can better understand the poem and improve their English language skills.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Class 10 English First Flight Poem 9 Summary
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Short Summary
The tale of Custard the dragon is a funny poem about a scared dragon named Custard, who is a pet of a little girl named Belinda. She has other pets too, who are all described as brave, except Custard. One night, a pirate enters their house and everyone gets scared and hides. But Custard surprises everyone by defeating the pirate and saving them. They all realise that they misjudged Custard for being timid and feel bad about it. The poem teaches us that sometimes the most unexpected person can be the hero in tough situations.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Short Summary In Hindi
The tale of Custard the dragon कहानी कस्टर्ड नाम के एक डरे हुए अजगर के बारे में एक मजेदार कविता है, जो बेलिंडा नाम की एक छोटी लड़की का पालतू है। उसके पास अन्य पालतू जानवर भी हैं, जिन्हें कस्टर्ड को छोड़कर सभी को बहादुर बताया गया है। एक रात, एक समुद्री डाकू उनके घर में प्रवेश करता है और सभी डर जाते हैं और छिप जाते हैं। लेकिन कस्टर्ड ने समुद्री डाकू को हराकर और उन्हें बचाकर सभी को चौंका दिया। वे सभी महसूस करते हैं कि उन्होंने कस्टर्ड को डरपोक होने के लिए गलत समझा और इसके बारे में बुरा महसूस किया। कविता हमें सिखाती है कि कभी-कभी सबसे अप्रत्याशित व्यक्ति कठिन परिस्थितियों में नायक हो सकता है।
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary
The poem “The tale of Custard the dragon” introduces Belinda, who lives in a small white house with her four pets: a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a cowardly dragon named Custard. Custard has sharp teeth, spikes, scales, and daggers on his toes. His mouth is like a fireplace and his nose is like a chimney.
Belinda thought she was as brave as a barrel of bears, and her pets Ink and Blink could chase lions down the stairs. Mustard was as brave as an angry tiger, but Custard was always afraid. Belinda tickled him and the other pets teased him by calling him Percival, a knight from a story. They laughed at Custard when he wanted a safe place, and asked him why he was so scared all the time. They would sit in a red wagon while teasing him.
One day, Belinda and her pets were woken up by a scary noise. They all got scared when they saw a pirate climbing in through the window. The pirate had guns and a knife, and one of his legs was made of wood. Belinda cried for help, Mustard ran away, and Ink and Blink hid. The pirate shot at Custard twice, but he wasn’t hurt. Surprisingly, Custard fought with the pirate and ate him in one bite.
After Custard ate the pirate, Belinda hugged him and Mustard licked him. Ink and Blink danced in happiness. Everyone thanked the Custard for saving them. But they felt bad for teasing him before. They all started claiming that they were braver than Custard and could have handled the situation better. Despite this, Custard still remained timid and asked for a safe place to stay.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary In Hindi
कविता ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ बेलिंडा का परिचय देती है, जो अपने चार पालतू जानवरों के साथ एक छोटे से सफेद घर में रहती है: इंक नाम का एक काला बिल्ली का बच्चा, ब्लिंक नाम का एक ग्रे माउस, मस्टर्ड नाम का एक पीला कुत्ता और कस्टर्ड नाम का एक कायर अजगर। कस्टर्ड के पैर की उंगलियों पर नुकीले दांत, स्पाइक्स, तराजू और खंजर होते हैं। उसका मुँह अंगीठी के समान और नाक चिमनियों के समान है।
बेलिंडा ने सोचा कि वह भालू के एक बैरल की तरह बहादुर थी, और उसके पालतू जानवर इंक और ब्लिंक सीढ़ियों से शेरों का पीछा कर सकते थे। सरसों गुस्से में बाघ की तरह बहादुर थी, लेकिन कस्टर्ड हमेशा डरता था। बेलिंडा ने उसे गुदगुदाया और दूसरे पालतू जानवरों ने उसे पर्सिवल, एक कहानी का शूरवीर कहकर चिढ़ाया। जब कस्टर्ड एक सुरक्षित स्थान चाहता था तो वे हँसे, और उससे पूछा कि वह हर समय इतना डरा हुआ क्यों रहता है। लाल बग्घी में बैठकर वे उसे चिढ़ाते।
एक दिन, बेलिंडा और उसके पालतू जानवर एक डरावनी आवाज़ से जाग गए। खिड़की से एक समुद्री डाकू को चढ़ते देख वे सभी डर गए। समुद्री डाकू के पास बंदूकें और एक चाकू था, और उसका एक पैर लकड़ी का बना था। बेलिंडा मदद के लिए चिल्लाई, मस्टर्ड भाग गया, और इंक और ब्लिंक छिप गए। समुद्री डाकू ने कस्टर्ड पर दो बार गोली चलाई, लेकिन उसे चोट नहीं आई। हैरानी की बात यह है कि कस्टर्ड ने समुद्री डाकू से लड़ाई की और उसे एक बार में ही खा लिया।
कस्टर्ड द्वारा समुद्री डाकू को खाने के बाद, बेलिंडा ने उसे गले लगाया और सरसों ने उसे चाटा। स्याही और पलक खुशी में नाच उठे। सभी ने कस्टर्ड को बचाने के लिए धन्यवाद दिया। लेकिन पहले उसे चिढ़ाना उन्हें बुरा लगता था। वे सभी दावा करने लगे कि वे कस्टर्ड से ज्यादा बहादुर हैं और स्थिति को बेहतर तरीके से संभाल सकते थे। इसके बावजूद, कस्टर्ड अभी भी डरपोक बना रहा और उसने रहने के लिए सुरक्षित स्थान की माँग की।
The Explanation of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
Stanza 1
Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
Important Word Meaning
Wagon: Wagon is a noun that refers to a vehicle with four wheels, typically pulled by horses or oxen, and used for carrying goods or people over long distances. It can also refer to a similar vehicle with an engine, used for transporting heavy loads.
Realio, trulio: “Realio, trulio” is not a commonly used word or phrase in English, and it was likely coined by the poet Ogden Nash to describe the little pet dragon in his poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”. It may be interpreted as a playful way of emphasising the reality or truthfulness of the dragon’s existence, in a whimsical and imaginative way.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ describes where Belinda lived and the pets that she had. Belinda lived in a little white house, and she had four pets – a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, and a little yellow dog. She also had a little red wagon. Additionally, she had a pet dragon, which is described as “realio, trulio,” indicating that it is a real and true pet dragon. This stanza sets the scene for the rest of the poem and introduces the characters that will be involved in the story.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: The poem uses the word “little” multiple times to emphasise its meaning.
Anaphora: The repetition of the word “And” at the beginning of consecutive lines creates an anaphoric effect.
Oxymoron: The poem combines the words “pet” and “dragon” which have opposite meanings, to create an oxymoron.
Poetic licence: The poet changes spellings to create a rhythmic effect, like using “realio, trulio” instead of “really and truly.”
Stanza 2
Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
Important Word Meaning
Ink: In the context of the poem, Ink is the name of Belinda’s little black kitten.
Blink: In the context of the poem, “Blink” is the name given to the little grey mouse by Belinda.
Mustard: In the context of the poem, “Mustard” refers to the little yellow dog that Belinda owned, and it is a play on words as the dog’s colour resembles that of mustard.
Coward: Coward means a person who lacks courage or bravery, and is easily frightened or intimidated.
Custard: In the context of the poem Custard refers to a little pet dragon who is timid and afraid of danger. The name Custard is used ironically as custard is usually associated with being soft and creamy, while dragons are typically portrayed as fierce and powerful creatures.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, the poet introduces us to Belinda’s pets and gives them all names. The little black kitten’s name is Ink, while the little grey mouse is called Blink. Belinda named her little yellow dog Mustard because it was sharp, quick and active. However, the dragon, who was cowardly and afraid of everything, she called him Custard. By giving each pet a unique name, the poet makes them more memorable and easier to distinguish. The naming of the pets also adds to the playful and humorous tone of the poem.
Poetic Devices
Simile: The poem uses a simile to compare the dog to mustard by using the word “as.”
Alliteration: The repetition of the letter ‘c’ in “coward” and “Custard” is an example of alliteration.
Repetition: The word “little” is repeated in the poem for emphasis.
Anaphora: The repetition of the word “And” at the beginning of consecutive lines is an example of anaphora.
(And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard).
Stanza 3
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.
Important Word Meaning
Spikes: Spikes are pointed, thin, and elongated projections that protrude from a surface. In the context of the stanza, the spikes are on top of the dragon and suggest that it may be a dangerous and formidable creature.
Scales underneath: “Scales” are small, bony or horny overlapping plates that cover the skin of some animals, such as reptiles or fish. They can provide protection from predators, reduce water loss, and help regulate body temperature. When it is said that Custard had “scales underneath,” it means that he had a layer of protective scales on his belly, which is the underside of his body.
Fireplace: A fireplace is a structure made of brick, metal or stone in which a fire can be built for heating a room or cooking food. In the context of the stanza, it is used to describe the mouth of the dragon, which is being compared to a fireplace due to its shape and appearance.
Chimney for a nose: The line “chimney for a nose” is a metaphorical description of the dragon’s nose. A chimney is a vertical pipe that allows smoke and gases to escape from a fireplace or furnace, and in this case, the dragon’s nose is being compared to a chimney. This is likely because of the way the dragon’s nose might appear to smoke or release vapour when it breathes out, similar to the way a chimney releases smoke.
Daggers on his toes: The phrase “realio, trulio daggers on his toes” is a way of describing sharp claws or talons on Custard’s feet. “Realio, trulio” is a made-up phrase used for poetic effect. The use of the words “daggers” emphasises the sharpness of Custard’s claws and creates an image of a fierce and dangerous dragon.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ is describing the physical appearance of the character “Custard the dragon”. It states that Custard had big sharp teeth and spikes on top of him, which could be referring to the spikes on his back. He also had scales underneath, which could be referring to his belly or the undersides of his legs. His mouth is described as being like a fireplace, which means it was wide and hot. His nose is like a chimney, which could mean that it was long and narrow. The last line mentions daggers on his toes, which suggests that Custard had sharp claws that were dangerous. Overall, the stanza is trying to give the reader a vivid image of what Custard looks like.
Poetic Devices
Simile: The poet has used a comparison between a dragon’s mouth and a fireplace – mouth like a fireplace.
Metaphor: The poet has used a comparison between a dragon’s nose and a chimney – chimney for a nose.
Refrain: The poet has repeated the sentence “And a realio, trulio” multiple times.
Stanza 4
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.
Important Word Meaning
Brave as a barrel full of bears: The phrase “brave as a barrel full of bears” is a simile used to describe Belinda’s level of bravery. It means that she is extremely brave and fearless, like a barrel full of bears that are known to be fierce and strong animals.
Chased lions down the stairs: The line “Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs” is a hyperbolic statement, which means that it is an exaggerated statement. The poet uses this hyperbole to convey the bravery of Ink and Blink, the little black kitten and the little grey mouse, respectively. It suggests that they are so courageous that they can chase the mighty lions down the stairs.
Brave as a tiger in a rage: This phrase means that Mustard, the little yellow dog, was extremely brave and fierce, just like a tiger in a state of anger or rage. It suggests that Mustard was not afraid to face danger and was willing to fight for his friends and family.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ describes the bravery of the characters in the story. Belinda is compared to a “barrel full of bears,” which means she is very brave. Ink and Blink are described as chasing lions down the stairs, indicating their bravery as well. Mustard is compared to a tiger in a rage, which implies that he is very courageous. On the other hand, Custard is portrayed as a timid character who is afraid of danger and always asks for a safe cage. The stanza highlights the contrast between the characters in terms of their bravery or timidity.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Alliteration means repeating the same letter at the start of words that are close together, like in the sentence “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” where the letter “b” is repeated.
Assonance: Assonance is when a particular vowel sound repeated, like “a” in “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears”, is repeated frequently.
Simile: Simile is a figure of speech where the poet compares two things using the word “as”, like when the poet says “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” and “Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage”.
Stanza 5
Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,
Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,
They all sat laughing in the little red wagon
At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.
Important Word Meaning
Tickled: To tickle means to touch someone lightly with fingers, causing a tingling or itching sensation that often provokes laughter.
Unmerciful: “Unmerciful” means without mercy or compassion, cruelly or harshly. In the context of the stanza, it means that Belinda was tickling Custard without showing any mercy or stopping, even though Custard may have wanted her to stop.
Rudely: The word “rudely” means in a disrespectful or impolite manner. In the given stanza, it suggests that Ink, Blink, and Mustard were not kind in calling the dragon “Percival”.
Percival: Percival is a name, which is used in this context as a teasing nickname for the dragon Custard. It is common in literature to use nicknames for characters to create a playful and humorous tone. In this stanza, the characters Ink, Blink, and Mustard are teasing the dragon and calling him by this nickname.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ the poet describes how Belinda and her companions treated the dragon. Belinda tickled him without mercy, and her other companions, Ink, Blink, and Mustard, called him Percival in a disrespectful manner. They all laughed together while sitting in the little red wagon, mocking the dragon for being a coward.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: Repetition means saying the same thing over and over again. In the sentence “The words tickled him have been repeated”, the words “tickled him” are said more than once.
Personification: Personification is when you give human-like qualities to things that are not human. In the sentence “They rudely called him Percival”, the poet has given the ability to speak to Ink, Blink, and Mustard, which are not human.
Allusion: Allusion means making a reference to something famous, like a person, animal, or thing. In the sentence “Percival” is mentioned, which could be a reference to a well-known name or character.
Refrain: Refrain is when you repeat a phrase or sentence multiple times in a poem or song. In the sentence “There is repetition of the sentence ‘And a realio, trulio'”, the phrase “And a realio, trulio” is repeated more than once in the poem.
Stanza 6
Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Important Word Meaning
Giggled: To giggle means to laugh lightly and repeatedly in a way that shows happiness or amusement.
Shook: In this context, “shook” means that Belinda giggled so much that the house itself was shaking or trembling. It is a way of exaggerating how much Belinda was laughing.
Weeck: “Weeck” is a made-up word used in the poem to represent the sound that a mouse makes when it giggles. It is an example of onomatopoeia, which refers to the use of words that imitate or suggest the source of the sound they describe.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, Belinda, Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard are all present in the scene. Belinda is tickling Custard the dragon, and she finds it so funny that she giggles until the whole house shakes. Blink, the little grey mouse, also joins in the fun and giggles too. Ink and Mustard, the yellow dog, ask Percival the cowardly dragon his age in a rude manner. Meanwhile, Custard cries out that he wants a safe cage to hide in.
Poetic Devices
Onomatopoeia: The poet used words like giggled and weeck that imitate the sounds they represent.
Refrain: The sentence “Custard cried for a nice safe cage” is repeated multiple times in the poem.
Stanza 7
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.
Important Word Meaning
Nasty: In this context, “nasty” refers to something unpleasant or disagreeable. The sound that they heard is described as “nasty,” indicating that it was harsh, disturbing, or unsettling in some way. It suggests that the sound was not pleasant or welcoming to the characters in the poem.
Growled: To growl means to make a low, guttural sound in the throat, typically as a sign of anger or hostility. In the given stanza, Mustard, the yellow dog, growls upon hearing the nasty sound. This suggests that Mustard is expressing his dissatisfaction or potential threat in response to the sound, indicating his protective instinct or readiness to confront any potential danger.
Meowch: “Meowch” is an exclamation used by Ink, the black kitten, in the poem. It is a combination of “meow,” which is the sound a cat typically makes, and “ouch,” which is an expression of pain or surprise. The use of “meowch” in the stanza suggests that Ink is startled or alarmed by the situation, possibly feeling a mix of fear and surprise upon hearing the nasty sound and realising there is a pirate climbing into the window.
Ooh: “Ooh” is an exclamation used by Belinda in the poem. It is a vocalization that expresses surprise, awe, or excitement. In the given stanza, Belinda exclaims “ooh” upon seeing the pirate climbing into the window. This suggests that she is taken aback or amazed by the unexpected arrival of the pirate, adding to the sense of suspense and anticipation in the scene.
Pirate: A pirate is a person who engages in acts of robbery, theft, or violence at sea. In the context of the stanza, a pirate is described as climbing into the window, indicating that an unauthorised and potentially dangerous person has entered the scene. The presence of a pirate creates a sense of adventure, danger, and surprise in the poem. Pirates are often depicted in literature and folklore as swashbuckling characters associated with treasure hunting and naval exploits.
Winda: “Winda” is a playful and whimsical variation of the word “window.” In the context of the stanza, it refers to the opening or aperture in a wall through which the pirate is climbing into the house. The use of the term “winda” adds a touch of imagination and creativity to the description, fitting the overall lighthearted and imaginative tone of the poem.
Explanations
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, a sudden and unpleasant sound catches the attention of Belinda, Mustard, Ink, and the others. Mustard, the yellow dog, growls in response, and they all turn their heads to see what’s happening. Ink, the black kitten, exclaims “Meowch!” in surprise, while Belinda expresses her own surprise with an “ooh!” sound. They realise that a pirate is climbing into the window, which creates a sense of danger and excitement in the scene.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Alliteration is when the same letter is repeated at the beginning of nearby words. For example, in the sentence “Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,” the letter ‘s’ is repeated.
Consonance: Consonance refers to the noticeable sound of a specific consonant, like the sound of ‘s’ in “Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound.”
Repetition: Repetition occurs when a word or phrase is used multiple times in a poem or text. In this case, the poet repeated the word ‘suddenly’.
Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia is when words imitate or resemble sounds. In the sentence “Mustard growled, Meowch, cried ink,” the words ‘growled’, ‘Meowch’, and ‘cried’ represent sounds.
Poetic licence: Poetic licence is when a poet takes artistic freedom to change or alter words for the sake of rhyme, rhythm, or other poetic effects. In this example, the poet changed the spelling of ‘window’ to ‘winda’ to create a rhyme.
Stanza 8
Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,
And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,
His beard was black, one leg was wood;
It was clear that the pirate meant no good.
Important Word Meaning
Pistol: A pistol is a handheld firearm. In the stanza, the pirate is holding pistols in both hands, showing he is armed and prepared. This highlights his intimidating presence and signifies that he is a real threat to the characters in the poem.
Cutlass: A cutlass is a short, curved sword with one sharp edge. In the stanza, the pirate is holding a cutlass in his teeth, showing he is armed with this weapon. This adds to his intimidating look. It implies he is ready for combat and violence. The word “bright” suggests the cutlass is well-kept and sharp, highlighting the pirate’s preparedness for aggression.
Leg was wood: The stanza mentions that the pirate has a wooden leg, implying that it is artificial. This suggests the pirate had a leg injury or amputation. The wooden leg adds to the pirate’s character and appearance, showing he has faced challenges. It portrays the pirate as tough and determined, overcoming his physical limitations.
Meant no good: The phrase “meant no good” in the stanza shows that the pirate has bad intentions. It implies that he is up to something negative or harmful. The pirate’s menacing appearance and weapons support this idea. It creates a feeling of danger and hints at potential harm. The phrase builds suspense for the upcoming conflict or negative actions in the poem.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, the poet describes the appearance of the pirate who has entered the scene. The pirate is depicted as holding a pistol in his left hand and a pistol in his right hand. He also has a cutlass, a type of sword, held in his teeth, suggesting his readiness for combat.
The pirate is further characterised by his physical attributes. His beard is black, and one of his legs is made of wood, likely indicating that he has a prosthetic leg. These details help to create a vivid image of the pirate.
The last line of the stanza, “It was clear that the pirate meant no good,” implies that the pirate’s intentions are malicious or harmful. This builds suspense and foreshadows potential danger or conflict in the following events of the poem.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Alliteration is when the same letter is repeated at the beginning of words that are close together. For example, in the sentence “His beard was black,” the letter ‘B’ is repeated. In the sentence “he held his,” the letter ‘H’ is repeated.
Repetition: Repetition occurs when a word or phrase is repeated multiple times. In this case, the word ‘pistol’ is repeated.
Imagery: Imagery is when the poet uses words to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. In this stanza, the poet has given a visual description of the pirate, helping us to imagine how he looks.
Stanza 9
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
Important Word Meaning
Paled: In the stanza, the word “paled” is used to show that Belinda’s complexion became lighter due to fear or shock. It indicates her heightened emotions and vulnerability. Her paling highlights her fear and shows how affected she is by the pirate’s presence and the danger he represents.
Fled: In the stanza, the word “fled” means that Mustard quickly and hastily ran away from the situation.
Yelp: In the stanza, the word “yelp” is used to describe a sound made by Mustard. “Yelp” is a sharp, high-pitched cry or bark that typically expresses pain, fear, or surprise. It indicates that Mustard let out a sudden and sharp sound in response to the terrifying situation. Mustard’s yelp shows his distress and fear in the face of the danger.
Trickled down: In the stanza, the phrase “trickled down” is used to describe Ink’s movement or motion. “Trickled down” means to flow or move slowly and steadily in a thin stream. It suggests that Ink moved downwards in a gentle, gradual manner. The use of this phrase conveys a sense of Ink’s cautious and deliberate movement, possibly to avoid being noticed or to find a safe place.
Household: In the stanza, the word “household” refers to the entire interior space or area of the house where Belinda and the other characters are situated. It includes all the rooms, corridors, and spaces within the house.
Strategically: In the stanza, the word “strategically” means that Blink thought carefully and planned his actions. It suggests that Blink intentionally chose a hiding spot that would offer the best protection.
Mouseholed: In the stanza, the word “mouseholed” is used as a verb. It means that the little mouse, Blink, found or made a small hole or hiding spot like a mouse would.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, Belinda’s reaction is described as she pales, indicating that her complexion becomes lighter due to fear or shock. She cries out for help, expressing her distress and the need for assistance. Mustard, the yellow dog, reacts by fleeing with a yelp of terror, suggesting that he is scared and quickly moves away from the danger. Ink, the black kitten, trickles down to the bottom of the household, implying that he moves swiftly and quietly to find a hiding place in the lower part of the house. Little mouse Blink strategically mouseholes, which means that the mouse, named Blink, cleverly finds a mousehole to hide in, utilising a strategic approach to protect itself from the threatening situation. These actions and reactions illustrate the fear and attempts to find safety among the characters in response to the presence of the pirate.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: The word “Help!” is repeated to emphasise Belinda’s urgent plea for assistance.
Alliteration: The repetition of the “m” sound in “mouse” and “mouseholed” adds a musical effect to the stanza.
Personification: The word “Ink” is given the human-like action of trickling down, adding movement and animation to the character.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as the prominent “e” sound in “Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!” and the prominent “o” sound in “down to the bottom of the household.”
Onomatopoeia: The word “yelp” imitates the sound of Mustard’s terrified cry.
Poetic licence: The word “mouseholed” is created by the poet to rhyme with “household” and adds to the poetic flow of the stanza.
Imagery: The descriptions of Belinda paling, Mustard fleeing, Ink trickling, and Blink strategically mouseholing create vivid mental images, engaging the reader’s senses and enhancing the descriptive quality of the stanza.
Transferred epithet: The phrase “terrified yelp” uses the adjective “terrified” to describe Mustard, even though it technically modifies the noun “yelp.”
Stanza 10
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
Important Word Meaning
But up jumped: “But up jumped” is a phrase that describes a sudden and quick movement. It indicates that someone or something leaped or sprung up suddenly and energetically.
Snorting: Making a loud and forceful sound through the nose, often indicating anger or excitement.
Clashed: Made a loud and harsh noise by coming into forceful contact with something.
Dungeon: A dark underground cell or prison, often associated with harsh or oppressive conditions.
Clatter: A continuous rattling sound, usually produced by the collision of hard objects.
Clank: A sharp metallic sound, typically produced by striking or colliding objects made of metal.
Jangling: Making a series of discordant and harsh sounds, usually caused by loose or clashing objects.
Squirm: Make wriggling or twisting movements, often associated with discomfort or evasion.
Like a robin at a worm: The phrase “like a robin at a worm” is a simile used to describe how Custard went at the pirate. A robin is a small bird known for its agility and quick movements, particularly when it spots a worm, which is a common food source for robins.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, the dragon named Custard quickly reacts when facing the pirate. Custard jumps up with agility and determination, making a snorting sound like an engine. His tail clashes forcefully, creating a threatening noise like dungeon irons. Custard’s movements are filled with clattering, clanking, and jangling as he launches himself at the pirate. This portrays his frenzied and determined attack. The stanza ends with a simile comparing Custard’s assault to a robin going after a worm, highlighting his speed and focus. Overall, the stanza vividly shows Custard’s brave response to the pirate, demonstrating his readiness to confront the threat.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel ‘a’ in – “With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm.”
Consonance: Prominent sound of the consonant ‘l’ – “clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm.”
Metaphor: The comparison between Custard’s tail and “irons in a dungeon” creates a metaphor, suggesting that his tail movements were powerful and reminiscent of the clanking and heaviness associated with dungeon chains.
Personification: Custard is personified through the actions attributed to him, such as “snorting like an engine” and “clashing his tail.” These human-like actions given to Custard create a sense of liveliness and animate the dragon character.
Simile: The poet has compared – the sound of the dragon with the sound of an engine using ‘like’ in “snorting like an engine”, Dragon’s tail with irons in “Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon” and Dragons attack with a robin at a worm.
Onomatopoeia: The words “snorting,” “clashed,” “clatter,” “clank,” and “jangling” imitate sounds, adding auditory imagery to the stanza and enhancing the descriptive quality.
Imagery: The use of descriptive words like “snorting,” “clashed,” “clatter,” “clank,” and “jangling squirm” creates vivid mental images, engaging the reader’s senses and enhancing the visual and auditory aspects of the stanza.
Stanza 11
The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,
He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,
And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
Important Word Meaning
Gaped: In the given stanza, the word “gaped” is used to describe the pirate’s reaction to seeing Belinda’s dragon, Custard. “Gaped” means to open one’s mouth wide in surprise, wonder, or astonishment.
Gulped: In the given stanza, the word “gulped” is used to describe the action of the pirate as he drank from his pocket flagon. “Gulped” means to swallow quickly and greedily, usually to satisfy thirst or hunger.
Grog: In the given stanza, the word “grog” refers to a type of alcoholic beverage typically consumed by sailors. It is a mixture of rum and water, often with added spices or citrus flavours.
Flagon: In the given stanza, the word “flagon” refers to a large container or vessel typically used for holding and serving liquids, particularly alcoholic beverages. It is often made of metal, ceramic, or glass and has a handle for easy pouring.
Gobbled: In the given stanza, the word “gobbled” describes the action of Custard devouring or eating the pirate. It conveys the idea that Custard ate the pirate quickly and voraciously, as if swallowing the pirate whole without much hesitation or resistance.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, the pirate encounters Belinda’s dragon, Custard. The pirate is astonished and stares in amazement at the dragon. He takes a swig of grog from his pocket flagon, a small container for carrying liquid. The pirate then attempts to shoot the dragon with two bullets, but his shots miss their target. In a surprising turn of events, Custard swiftly devours the pirate, consuming him entirely. The stanza highlights the dragon’s superiority and the pirate’s failed attempt to harm him. It conveys a sense of triumph for Custard and emphasises his power and ability to protect Belinda and her companions.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Alliteration is when the same letter is repeated at the start of words that are close together. For example, in the sentence “gulped some grog,” the letter ‘g’ is repeated.
Imagery: Imagery is when the poet uses words to create vivid mental pictures. In this stanza, the poet describes the pirate staring at the dragon, drinking grog from his pocket flask, and the dragon eating the pirate. These descriptions help us imagine the scene and engage our senses.
Assonance: Assonance is when vowel sounds are repeated in nearby words. In this stanza, the vowel sound ‘o’ is prominent in words like “gaped,” “dragon,” and “gobbled,” creating assonance.
Rhyme: Rhyme is when the end words of each line sound similar. For example, “dragon” rhymes with “flagon” and “hit” rhymes with “bit.” This creates a rhythmic pattern in the poem.
Irony: Irony is when something happens that is opposite or different from what is expected. In this stanza, the irony is seen in the pirate’s actions being ineffective and leading to his own demise. It adds humour and surprise to the poem.
Stanza 12
Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,
No one mourned for his pirate victim.
Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate
Around the dragon that ate the pirate.
Important Word Meaning
Embraced: In the given stanza, the word “embraced” depicts Belinda’s action of hugging or holding Custard, her pet dragon, in a warm and affectionate manner. The act of embracing symbolises a strong bond between Belinda and Custard, showcasing their close relationship. It conveys a sense of love, care, and acceptance towards the dragon.
Licked: In the given stanza, the word “licked” describes Mustard’s action of running his tongue over something, typically to taste or show affection. When it says “Mustard licked him,” it suggests that Mustard, the little yellow dog, licked Belinda or possibly Custard, the pet dragon.
Mourned: In the given stanza, the word “mourned” refers to the expression of grief, sorrow, or sadness over someone’s death or loss. The line “No one mourned for his pirate victim” suggests that there was no one who felt sorrow or grief for the pirate who was eaten by Custard, the pet dragon.
Victim: In the given stanza, the word “victim” refers to the person who has suffered harm, injury, or loss as a result of an action or event. In this context, it refers to the pirate who was eaten by Custard, the dragon.
Glee: In the given stanza, the word “glee” refers to a feeling of great delight, happiness, or joy. It describes the exuberant and enthusiastic state of Ink and Blink, who are portrayed as dancing and celebrating in a lively manner.
Gyrate: In the given stanza, the word “gyrate” is used to describe the movements of Ink and Blink. “Gyrate” means to move or spin rapidly in a circular or spiral motion. It suggests that Ink and Blink are joyfully and energetically dancing or twirling around the dragon, Custard, who has just defeated the pirate.
Explanations
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, Belinda, the protagonist, lovingly embraces Custard, her pet dragon, while Mustard, the little yellow dog, licks him affectionately. The scene takes a lighter tone as the pirate, who had previously posed a threat, becomes the subject of a comical twist. Rather than mourning the pirate’s fate, nobody shows any sadness or remorse for his demise. Instead, Ink, the black kitten, and Blink, the grey mouse, are filled with joy and excitement, gyrating in glee around Custard. Their playful dance adds to the whimsical atmosphere of the poem. The stanza conveys a sense of triumph and celebration as the pirate’s defeat is met with cheerfulness and the characters revel in the dragon’s victory. It highlights the imaginative and light-hearted nature of the poem, further immersing the reader in its fantastical world.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Alliteration is when the same sound or letter is repeated at the beginning of words that are close to each other, like “glee did gyrate.” The repetition of the word “him” in the lines “Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him” emphasises the physical contact between Belinda, Mustard, and the dragon.
Assonance: Assonance is when the same vowel sound is repeated, like the “o” in “no one mourned for,” the “i” in “ink and blink in glee did,” and the “a” in “that ate the pirate.”
Rhyme: The stanza follows an AABB rhyme scheme, with the end words of each pair of lines (him/licked him, victim/gyrate) rhyming with each other.
Imagery: Imagery is used to create mental pictures that appeal to the senses. For example, the description of Belinda embracing the dragon, Mustard licking him, and Ink and Blink gyrating around the dragon creates vivid images in the reader’s mind.
Irony: Irony is used in the line “No one mourned for his pirate victim,” which suggests that no one felt sorry for the pirate who was defeated by the dragon. This statement adds humour to the stanza.
Stanza 13
But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,
I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered.
And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,
Wed have been three times as brave, we think,
And Custard said, I quite agree
That everybody is braver than me.
Important Word Meaning
Flustered: In the context of the stanza, the word “flustered” describes the state of little dog Mustard. When Mustard says, “I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered,” it means that his bravery was hindered or affected by feeling agitated, nervous, or disorganised.
Shook: In the given stanza, the word “shook” describes an action or movement. When someone or something shakes, it means they are vibrating or trembling with a quick, back-and-forth motion.
Explanations
In this stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’, little dog Mustard speaks up and admits that he would have been braver if he had not been so flustered. Then Ink and Blink speak up and claim that they would have been even braver than Mustard, and Custard agrees that everyone is braver than him. The stanza reveals the personalities and attitudes of the characters. Mustard is honest about his fear, but still willing to be brave. Ink and Blink are more confident, but perhaps not as realistic. Custard is the titular character of the poem, and the self-proclaimed coward. The stanza also adds a touch of humour to the story, as the characters compare their bravery levels.
Poetic Devices
Consonance: Consonance is when the same consonant sound is repeated in nearby words. For example, in the sentence “But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,” the ‘t’ sound is repeated.
Assonance: Assonance is when the same vowel sound is repeated in nearby words. In the sentence “have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered. We’d have been three times as brave, we think,” the ‘e’ sound is repeated.
Repetition: Repetition is when a phrase or word is repeated multiple times. In this stanza, the phrase “up spoke” is repeated, creating a rhythmic pattern and highlighting the act of speaking by different characters.
Personification: Personification is when non-human things are given human-like qualities. Mustard, Ink, Blink, and Custard are personified by speaking and expressing their thoughts.
Irony: Irony is when there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In this stanza, Custard admits that everyone else is braver than him, which is ironic as he is a dragon and is expected to be brave.
Humour: Humour is a lighthearted and amusing tone in writing. The stanza uses self-deprecating statements by Mustard and Custard, adding a sense of humour to the overall poem.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole is when something is exaggerated for emphasis. Ink and Blink claim they would have been three times as brave, which is an exaggeration to make their point more clear.
Contrast: Contrast is when there is a noticeable difference between two or more things. The stanza contrasts the bravado expressed by Mustard, Ink, and Blink with Custard’s admission of his own lack of bravery.
Stanza 14
Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her little grey mouse,
And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
And her realio, trulio little pet dragon.
Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,
Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.
Important Word Meaning
Still: In the context of the stanza, the word “still” suggests that despite the events and adventures described earlier in the poem, Belinda continues to live in her little white house with her pets. It implies that the passage of time has not changed her living situation or her attachment to her beloved pets.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem ‘The tale of Custard the dragon’ describes Belinda’s life still in her little white house with her pets. She has a black kitten, a grey mouse, a yellow dog, and a red wagon. Her pet dragon, which is described as “realio, trulio”, meaning real and true, lives with her as well. Belinda is portrayed as very brave, “as brave as a barrel full of bears”, while her cats Ink and Blink are also brave enough to chase lions down the stairs. Mustard, the little dog, is as brave as a tiger in a rage, but Custard is not brave and keeps crying for a safe cage. The stanza uses a lot of alliteration, such as “little white house” and “little black kitten”, as well as similes, such as “as brave as a barrel full of bears” and “as brave as a tiger in a rage”, to create a vivid and whimsical picture of Belinda and her pets. The stanza also employs contrast, such as between Belinda’s bravery and Custard’s fear, to add humour to the poem.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: Repetition is when something is said or written again. In this case, the entire stanza is repeated.
Refrain: Refrain is a specific type of repetition where a certain phrase or sentence is repeated at regular intervals. In this stanza, the sentence “And a realio, trulio” is repeated as a refrain.
Poet of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The poet of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is Ogden Nash.
About the Poet of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
Ogden Nash was an American poet born on August 19, 1902, in Rye, New York. He gained popularity for his witty and humorous poetry, often characterised by clever wordplay and unconventional rhymes. Nash’s poems covered a wide range of topics, from animals and nature to human foibles and social commentary. His light-hearted and whimsical style made him a beloved figure in the world of poetry. Nash published numerous collections of poetry throughout his career and also wrote for various magazines and newspapers. He passed away on May 19, 1971, leaving behind a rich legacy of humorous and entertaining verse.
Theme of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The theme of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that appearances can be deceiving. Custard the dragon is described as being cowardly and afraid of everything, but when a pirate attacks Belinda’s house, Custard is the only one who is brave enough to fight him off. This shows that even though someone may seem weak or scared, they may still be capable of great things.
Main Idea of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The main idea of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that we should not judge others based on their appearance. Custard the dragon is described as being cowardly and afraid of everything, but when a pirate attacks Belinda’s house, Custard is the only one who is brave enough to fight him off. This shows that even though someone may seem weak or scared, they may still be capable of great things.
Moral of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The moral of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that we should never judge a book by its cover. Custard the dragon is described as being cowardly and afraid of everything, but when a pirate attacks Belinda’s house, Custard is the only one who is brave enough to fight him off. This shows that even though someone may seem weak or scared, they may still be capable of great things. The poem also teaches us that it is important to be brave, even when we are afraid. Custard was afraid of the pirate, but he still fought him anyway. This shows that it is important to face our fears, even if they seem overwhelming.
Message of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The message of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that we should not judge others based on their appearance. Custard may seem cowardly, but he proves to be brave when a pirate attacks. The poem also emphasises the importance of being brave even when we’re afraid. Custard faced his fear and fought the pirate, showing us the value of confronting our fears.
Conclusion of the Poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The conclusion of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that we should never judge a book by its cover. Custard the dragon is described as being cowardly and afraid of everything, but when a pirate attacks Belinda’s house, Custard is the only one who is brave enough to fight him off. This shows that even though someone may seem weak or scared, they may still be capable of great things.
Rhyme Scheme of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
The rhyme scheme of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is AABB.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To The Poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Question 1: Who is the protagonist of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: The protagonist of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is Custard the dragon.
Question 2: How is Custard initially portrayed in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: Custard is portrayed as timid and cowardly in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Question 3: What is the role of Belinda in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: Belinda is the owner and caretaker of Custard in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Question 4: Which characters in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” are described as brave?
Answer: Ink, Blink, and Mustard are described as brave in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Question 5: What does Custard do when faced with danger in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: Custard surprises everyone by defeating the pirate in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”.
Question 6: What is the tone of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: The tone of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is playful and whimsical.
Question 7: What is the overall message conveyed by the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” highlights the importance of inner strength and challenges stereotypes.
Question 8: How does the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” use humour?
Answer: The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” uses humour to subvert expectations and create amusing situations.
Question 9: How does the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” explore the theme of bravery?
Answer: The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” shows that bravery can be found in unexpected places and challenges traditional notions of courage.
Question 10: What role does the pirate play in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: The pirate serves as the antagonist and represents the external threat to Belinda and her companions.
Question 11: How does Custard’s character develop throughout the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: Custard’s character develops from being seen as cowardly to displaying unexpected bravery.
Question 12: How does the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” use rhyme and rhythm?
Answer: The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” employs a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, enhancing its playful and musical quality.
Question 13: What is the significance of Custard’s name in the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
Answer: Custard’s name contrasts with his initially perceived timidness, highlighting the unexpected nature of his bravery.
Question 14: How does the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” celebrate the power of imagination?
Answer: The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” invites readers to engage in imaginative play and embrace the fantastical elements of the story.
Question 15: What is the setting of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”?
The setting of the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is a little girl’s house.
Question 16. How does the poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” end?
Answer: Custard saves the day and Belinda and her pets are all proud of him.