🐉 Class 10 English Poem 10 – The Tale of Custard the Dragon Notes
Book: First Flight
Poem: The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Poet: Ogden Nash
Chapter: 10
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)
✍️ Introduction
“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash is a humorous ballad that tells the story of a cowardly dragon named Custard who turns out to be the bravest of all when danger strikes. The poem uses playful rhymes and irony to convey a deeper message about courage, stereotypes, and real bravery.
📖 Summary of the Poem
This poem is about a little girl named Belinda who lives in a house with her pets—Ink (a kitten), Blink (a mouse), Mustard (a dog), and Custard (a dragon). All of them claim to be brave, except Custard, who is considered a coward and is often teased.
However, when a real pirate enters their house with pistols and a sword, it is Custard—the so-called coward—who shows true courage. He fights the pirate bravely and swallows him in one gulp. The others hide in fear during the attack. After the danger is over, everyone praises Custard, but soon they go back to pretending they are the bravest and tease Custard again.
The poem ends with a humorous twist: although Custard is the real hero, he remains humble and doesn’t argue when others mock him. It subtly reminds readers that true bravery is shown through actions, not words.
🌟 Central Idea
The poem highlights that real courage is not about boasting or appearances but is revealed in times of crisis. Even those who seem timid or weak can be the bravest when needed. It also mocks pretentious bravery and celebrates humility.
🎨 Poetic Devices Used
- Ballad: A narrative poem with a musical rhythm and rhyme.
- Repetition: “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears…” is repeated for rhythm and humor.
- Alliteration: “Belinda was as brave as a barrel…” – repetition of ‘b’ sound.
- Irony: The coward becomes the hero.
- Humour: Funny character names and exaggerated bravery create amusement.
📚 Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Realio, trulio | Funny made-up words for rhyme |
| Barrel | A large container; used for comparison |
| Pirate | A sea robber |
| Winda | Slang for “window,” used for rhyme |
| Gulped | Swallowed something quickly |
❓ Important Questions and Answers
- Q1. What is the irony in the poem?
Ans: The irony is that Custard, who was mocked for being cowardly, turns out to be the only one with real courage when danger comes. - Q2. Describe Belinda and her pets.
Ans: Belinda was brave, Ink the kitten was sharp, Blink the mouse was clever, Mustard the dog was bold, and Custard the dragon was thought to be a coward. - Q3. What happens when the pirate enters the house?
Ans: All the brave ones hide in fear, but Custard bravely fights and kills the pirate, proving his real strength. - Q4. What message does the poem convey?
Ans: The poem teaches that real bravery is shown in actions, not in words or appearance. It also promotes humility and warns against mocking others.
📥 Download PDF Notes
👉 Click here to download PDF of The Tale of Custard the Dragon Poem Notes
📌 Tags: Class 10 English Poem 10, Custard the Dragon Summary, Ogden Nash, First Flight Notes, CBSE 2025, ToppersNoteHub
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