The Tale of Custard the Dragon

 

The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Introduction

Ogden Nash's The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a delightful narrative poem that combines humor, whimsy, and a gentle moral lesson. Written in Nash's signature playful style, the poem tells the story of a group of characters—Belinda and her brave pets: a dog named Mustard, a kitten named Ink, and a mouse named Blink—who are proud of their courage. However, the titular character, Custard the dragon, is ridiculed for being timid and "cowardly." But as the story unfolds, Custard unexpectedly becomes the hero, showcasing his bravery when danger strikes.

Theme 

The central theme of the poem is the true nature of courage and the importance of self-belief. Ogden Nash uses humor and irony to show that appearances can be deceiving, and those who seem timid or unremarkable may possess hidden strengths. Custard, the dragon, is initially mocked for his perceived cowardice, but when a real threat arises, he proves himself to be the bravest of all.

The poem also explores the idea of humility and self-awareness. While the other characters boast about their courage, they falter when faced with danger. In contrast, Custard’s modesty contrasts with his extraordinary actions, highlighting the value of inner strength over outward bravado.

Additionally, the poem conveys a subtle moral lesson: we should not judge others hastily or underestimate them based on their demeanor. Everyone has unique qualities that shine when the situation calls for them. Through its whimsical storytelling, the poem imparts a powerful message about individuality and heroism.

Summary

It is a humorous and engaging narrative poem that revolves around a girl named Belinda and her unusual pets. Belinda and her pets consider themselves brave and often ridicule Custard for his timid nature.

However, their perception changes when a pirate suddenly invades their home. As the other animals panic and hide, Custard surprises everyone by courageously confronting the pirate. He defeats the intruder, proving himself to be the true hero of the story.

Despite Custard’s act of bravery, the others quickly revert to their old attitudes, boasting about their courage and teasing Custard once again. Custard, ever humble, accepts their remarks without protest.

Poetic Devices

  1. Rhyme Scheme:
    The poem follows a consistent rhyming couplet pattern (AA BB), creating a sing-song
  2. Alliteration:

    • “But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.”
    • “Belinda lived in a little white house.”

 

  1. Imagery:
    There are the uses of vivid descriptions to create mental pictures, such as the pirate’s menacing appearance.

 

  1. Personification:
    The animals in the poem, like the dog, cat, mouse, and dragon, are given human traits such as bravery, timidity, and the ability to speak, making the story more engaging.

 

  1. Irony:
    The poem’s humor is laced with irony, as Custard, the “cowardly” dragon, turns out to be the bravest of all, while the others, who boast of their courage, hide during the crisis.

 

  1. Hyperbole:
    Exaggeration is used for comic effect, such as describing Belinda as “as brave as a barrel full of bears” or the dragon's longing for a "nice safe cage," highlighting the absurdity of the characters’ traits.

 

  1. Repetition:
    Lines and phrases are repeated to emphasize certain ideas and to enhance the rhythm. For instance, Custard’s desire for a “nice safe cage” is mentioned multiple times.

 

  1. Humor and Satire:
    Nash’s clever use of absurd situations and quirky descriptions satirizes stereotypes about bravery and cowardice, making the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.

 

  1. Contrast:
    The poem contrasts Custard’s timid appearance with his brave actions, and the outward bravery of the other characters with their actual fear, to challenge stereotypes about heroism.

 

 

 

Additional Questions.

 

1.      How does the poet describe Custard’s appearance?

2.      What happened when the pirate entered the house?

3.      How did Custard save everyone?

4.      Why is the poem considered humorous?

5.      What is ironic about Custard’s character?

6.      Describe Belinda’s bravery as mentioned in the poem.

 

 

Long Answer Questions

a)      Discuss the theme of true courage vs. false bravery with reference to Custard and the other pets.

b)      Describe how the poet uses humor and exaggeration in the poem. Give examples.

c)      Explain how the poem teaches the lesson: “We should not judge others based on appearance or reputation.”

 

Extract-based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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.”

 

(a) Which poetic device is used in the line “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears”?

(b) How are Ink and Blink described in this stanza?

(c) What does the phrase “a nice safe cage” reveal about Custard’s personality at this point in the poem?

(d) What contrast does the poet create between Custard and the other pets?

 

Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS)

(a) If you were Belinda, how would you treat Custard after the incident? Why?

 

 

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