Here are Extra Question Answers of the Poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon. This question bank includes everything you need to master The Tale of Custard the Dragon.This is updated as per 2024- 25 pattern. Go through to gain deep understanding and achieve a great score in exam of Class 10 English.

Here is the introduction for Poem’ The Tale of Custard the Dragon  Class 10. (Extra Question)

Theme  

The theme of The Tale of Custard the Dragon is about finding bravery in unexpected places. It shows the difference between how things seem and how they really are. The poem teaches us that even those who seem weak or scared can be truly brave when it matters.

Moral  

The moral of the poem is that bravery is not about how someone looks on the outside but how they act during difficult times. It reminds us that real courage comes from what a person does, not just from how strong or brave they appear.

Also Read:

• Hard Words : The Tale of Custard the Dragon
• The Tale of Custard the Dragon NCERT Solutions
• The Tale of Custard the Dragon- Important Extra Questions- Long Answer Type
• The Tale of Custard the Dragon- Summary in Hindi – Full Text
• The Tale of Custard the Dragon- Central Idea & Style of the Poem
• The Tale of Custard the Dragon- Short & Detailed Summary

Characters

Belinda: A brave little girl who lives with her pets.

Ink: A black kitten who is usually brave but hides when the pirate comes.

Blink: A grey mouse, also typically brave but hides during danger.

Mustard: A yellow dog known for his bravery but runs away from the pirate.

Custard: The dragon who is usually scared and wants a safe place but shows great courage when facing the pirate.

Progress of Thoughts

The poem begins by showing the peaceful life of Belinda and her pets. All the pets, except Custard, are thought to be brave. Custard, the dragon, is seen as a coward who always wants a safe cage.

But when a pirate breaks into their home, everything changes. The pets who seemed brave run away in fear, while Custard, who was mocked for his fear, shows real bravery by fighting and defeating the pirate. This changes how everyone sees Custard and shows that true bravery can come from the one who is least expected to be brave.

Some Key Elements of the Poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon.

Irony: There is a strong element of irony in how the people who boast about their bravery fail to act bravely in a real crisis, while Custard, the so-called coward, is the one who confronts the danger.

Humor: The poem uses humor in the way characters interact and in the descriptions, adding a light-hearted tone to the serious message about bravery.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Theme in Short

“The theme is about real bravery hiding behind fearfulness.”

Justification of the Theme-

Let’s see how this theme is applicable to the poem- 

The theme is shown through Custard, the dragon, who seems cowardly because he always wants a safe cage. But when a pirate attacks, Custard is the only one brave enough to fight and save his friends. This shows that true bravery can hide behind fear.

List of Themes in The Tale of Custard the Dragon-

Here are some more themes appropriately applicable to the poem

1. Bravery can be hidden behind fear.
2. True courage is shown in difficult times.
3. Don’t judge others by how they look.

 Short Summary of ” The Tale of Custard the Dragon  ” (Extra Questions)

The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous poem by Ogden Nash. It tells the story of Belinda, a girl who lives with her four pets in a little white house. Her pets include Ink, a black kitten; Blink, a grey mouse; Mustard, a yellow dog; and Custard, a big dragon.

All the pets, except Custard, are considered brave. Custard is called a coward because he always wants to stay safe in a cage. One day, a pirate enters their house with weapons, scaring everyone. While the other pets run away in fear, Custard bravely fights the pirate and eats him.

In the end, Custard proves that he is not a coward, and sometimes the one who seems weakest can be the bravest when it matters most.

Word Meanings of ” The Tale of Custard the Dragon  -(Extra Questions)

Hard Words : The Tale of Custard the Dragon Page- 129

Belinda = The main female character in the poem who lives with several pets (बेलिंदा), Kitten = A small, young cat; here, it refers to Belinda’s black pet named Ink (बिल्ली का बच्चा), Mouse = A small rodent; in this context, it is Belinda’s grey pet named Blink (बेलिंदा की चूहा पालतू),

Wagon = A cart or a four-wheeled toy; used by Belinda (बेलिंदा की खिलौना गाड़ी), Realio, trulio = An expression indicating genuineness or truthfulness (सचमुच, वास्तव में), Dragon = A mythical, fire-breathing creature; Belinda’s pet named Custard (बेलिंदा का ड्रैगन पालतू), Ink = Name of Belinda’s black kitten (बेलिंदा की काली बिल्ली का नाम),

Blink = Name of Belinda’s grey mouse (बेलिंदा की चूहा पालतू का नाम), Mustard = Name of Belinda’s brave yellow dog (बेलिंदा के पीले कुत्ते का नाम), Coward = Lacking courage; describes Custard’s nature (डरपोक, जैसे कस्टर्ड है), Custard = Name of Belinda’s timid dragon (बेलिंदा के डरपोक ड्रैगन का नाम), Spikes = Pointed features on top of Custard (कस्टर्ड के ऊपर की नोकदार बातें),

Scales = Hard protective layers on Custard’s body (कस्टर्ड के शरीर पर कठोर परतें), Fireplace = Describing Custard’s wide mouth (कस्टर्ड का विशाल मुंह), Chimney = Refers to Custard’s tall nose (कस्टर्ड की ऊंची नाक),

Daggers = Sharp pointed features on Custard’s feet (कस्टर्ड के पैरों की नुकीली बातें), Barrel = Cylindrical shape; indicating Belinda’s bravery (बेलिंदा की बहादुरी का प्रतीक), Lions = Symbol of bravery; chased by Ink and Blink (बहादुरी का प्रतीक, जिसे इंक और ब्लिंक भागा रहे हैं),

Rage = Extreme anger; indicating Mustard’s bravery (जोरदार गुस्सा, मस्टर्ड की बहादुरी को दर्शाता है), Cage = Enclosed space; Custard wishes for a safe one (सुरक्षित पिंजरा, जिसकी कस्टर्ड चाहत है)

Extract Based Questions of ” The Tale of Custard the Dragon  -(Extra Questions)

The Tale of Custard the Dragon  Extract Based MCQ questions Passage 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.

1. Question: Why do you think the presence of a pet dragon in Belinda’s house makes the poem unique? (40-50 words)  

Answer: Custard’s presence makes the story special because real bravery is shown through him. While the others boast about being brave. This creates a good contrast between him and the others.

Question: None of the terms (a)–(d) fit the statement — “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.”  

(a) Simile – compares two things using “like” or “as”  

(b) Exaggeration – makes something sound bigger  

(c) Metaphor – says one thing is another  

(d) Symbol – stands for something else  

Answer: False.  

Reason: A simile fits because it compares Belinda’s bravery to that of bears using “as.”

3.Question: The extract suggests that Custard’s personality can be described as _____ based on this stanza.  

Answer: Timid / Gentle / Cowardly / Sensitive / Peaceful / Unconfident or any other similar response. 

4.Question:Why does Custard prefer a safe cage despite being a dragon?  

Answer: He values safety over bravery and dislikes unnecessary danger.

Extract from The Tale of Custard the Dragon  – 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.

1.Question:Why do you think Belinda gave the dragon a name like Custard? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: Belinda named the dragon Custard because it suited his personality. Custard, a soft dessert, matches the dragon’s timid nature. Instead of being fierce, the dragon behaves gently and fearfully, which makes the name funny and meaningful.

2.Question:None of the terms (a)–(d) can be applied to the statement — “But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.”  

(a) Irony – the opposite of what’s expected  

(b) Simile – comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’  

(c) Metaphor – saying one thing is another  

(d) Contrast – showing differences between two things

Answer: False.  

Reason: a contrast, applies as the dragon’s cowardice contrasts with typical dragon behaviour, making it amusing.

3.Question: The behaviour of Custard in the extract suggests he could be a _____.  

Answers: Coward / Gentle / Timid / Quiet / Shy / Nervous or any other similar response. 

4.Question:Why do you think Custard did not act brave at first?  

Answer: He preferred safety and avoided unnecessary risks from the start.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)- of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon ”

1. Question: What does Custard’s bravery during the pirate attack in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon teach us?  

(a) Dragons are brave.                         
(b) Looks can deceive.  
(c) Danger brings bravery.                  
(d) Everyone has a hero inside.  

Answer:Everyone has a hero inside.  
Reason:Custard, though timid, shows even fearful ones can be brave.  

2. Question: How does the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon challenge the stereotype of a dragon?  

(a) Custard doesn’t breathe fire.     
(b) Custard is shown as scared.  
(c) Custard avoids adventures.        
(d) Custard dislikes animals.  

Answer:Custard is shown as scared.  
Reason:Unlike fierce dragons, Custard appears cowardly, adding humour to his character.  

3. Question: What can be inferred about Belinda’s leadership from the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon?  

(a) She lacks control over her pets.
(b) She values different kinds of pets.  
(c) She doesn’t know her pets well.  
(d) She likes only common pets.  

Answer: She values different kinds of pets.  
Reason: Belinda’s choice of diverse pets, including a dragon, shows her ability to manage them well.  

4. Question: What is the significance of the other pets’ reaction after the pirate’s defeat in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon?  

(a) They are truly brave.                     
(b) They regret not helping Custard.  
(c) They learn about true bravery.  
(d) They feel jealous of Custard.  

Answer: They learn about true bravery.  
Reason: The incident shows the pets the difference between acting brave and being truly brave, as Custard demonstrates.

5. Question: How does the setting contribute to the theme in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon?  

(a) The small house shows the characters’ close bonds.  
(b) Isolation adds to the sense of danger.  
(c) The cosy home contrasts with sudden danger.  
(d) The white house represents peace.  

Answer:The cosy home contrasts with sudden danger.  
Reason:The pirate’s intrusion into their peaceful home highlights the theme of hidden bravery.  

Short Answer Type Important Questions

1. Question: What qualities make Belinda and her pets appear brave at the beginning of the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? How does this perception change by the end?  (30 to 40 words)

Answer: At the beginning, Belinda and her pets seem brave through their playful actions and big claims. But when a real danger, a pirate, comes, they all get scared except for Custard, who shows real courage by facing the pirate.

2. Question: In the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon, if Custard had not fought the pirate, how might the story have ended differently?  (30 to 40 words)

Answer: If Custard had not fought the pirate, as shown in the poem, the pirate could have hurt Belinda and her pets or taken their home. This shows that talking about being brave is not the same as actually being brave.

3. Question: Describe how Custard’s bravery changes the group by the end of the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon. (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: Custard’s bravery changes the group by the end. At first, they laugh at him for being afraid, but after he saves them, they start to respect him. This shows that being brave is about actions, not just words.

4. Question: How does the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon show a different idea of heroism and courage? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: The poem shows that real bravery can come from those who seem weak. Custard, who is often afraid, becomes the true hero. The others, who talk about being brave, run away when they face real danger.

5. Question: What role does humor play in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: Humor makes the poem fun and light. It shows how the pets talk about being brave but run away when danger comes. Custard, who seems afraid, turns out to be the brave one, making it funny and surprising.

6. Question: If you could add another pet to Belinda’s household in The Tale of Custard the Dragon, what would it be and why? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: I would add an owl because it is wise and could guide the pets. The owl might help them see danger early and give advice, making the pets more careful and less likely to act without thinking.

7. Question: Why do you think Custard always desires a “nice safe cage,” despite proving his bravery in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: Custard may ask for a “nice safe cage” to avoid arguments with the other pets. He knows they are foolish and might start mocking him again. By staying quiet, he avoids any unnecessary conflict and keeps peace in the group.

8. Question: How do the poetic devices make the story of Custard the Dragon more engaging? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: Poetic devices like rhyme and similes make the poem fun and easy to remember. They highlight the difference between what the pets say about being brave and how Custard shows real bravery, making his actions stand out more.

9. Question: What lesson do you think Ink, Blink, and Mustard learned from the pirate incident in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: They likely learned that true bravery is not about talking. It is about how you act when real danger comes. They might also respect Custard more now. They could see that his fear was not weakness but carefulness.

10. Question: Imagine Belinda writes a diary entry about the day’s events in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon. What would she say about Custard? (30 to 40 words)  

Answer: Belinda would feel surprised and proud of Custard’s bravery. She might feel sorry for not trusting him before. She could decide to believe in him more in the future, knowing now that he is truly brave.

Long Answer Type Important Questions

1.Question:What might have happened to Belinda and her pets if Custard had not shown courage against the pirate in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (100-120 words)

Answer: If Custard had not shown courage against the pirate, Belinda and her pets might have faced great danger. The pirate had weapons and meant to harm them. Without Custard’s bravery, Belinda and her friends would not have been able to defend themselves.

The pirate might have hurt or scared them even more. Custard’s unexpected bravery saved them and proved that even those who seem weak can show great strength when needed. 

2.Question: Why do you think the poet Ogden Nash chose a dragon as the main character in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? What message does this choice convey? (120-150 words)

Answer: The poet Ogden Nash chose a dragon as the main character in The Tale of Custard the Dragon because dragons are usually seen as strong and scary. But Custard is different; he seems cowardly. This makes it surprising when he shows real bravery. It teaches that appearances can be deceiving.

Being strong outside doesn’t always mean being brave inside. Custard’s story shows that true courage can come from anyone, even those who seem scared. Using a dragon also adds humour to the story. It makes the poem fun and interesting. The poem reminds us not to judge others by how they appear on the outside.

3. Question: How do you think the relationship between Custard and the other pets might change after the events in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (120-150 words)

Answer: After the events in The Tale of Custard the Dragon, the relationship between Custard and the other pets would change. Earlier, Ink, Blink, and Mustard teased him for being cowardly. However, when Custard fought the pirate bravely, he showed that he had hidden strength.

This would make the other pets see him differently, with more respect. They might realise that everyone has unique strengths, even if they are not obvious. Belinda and the pets would now appreciate Custard’s quiet courage.

Their teasing would likely stop, and their relationship would become kinder and more understanding, making Custard feel valued as a hero.

4.Question:What lesson do you think children can learn from the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon, especially from Custard’s actions? (120-150 words)

Answer: Children can learn many lessons from The Tale of Custard the Dragon. A key lesson is that true bravery is shown through actions, not words. Though Custard was teased as a coward, he showed great courage when it mattered most.

This teaches that even those who seem shy or fearful may have hidden strengths. The poem also reminds children not to make fun of others, as everyone has unique qualities.

It encourages them to appreciate friends for who they are. Custard’s story shows that bravery isn’t about being tough all the time but about helping when it truly counts.

5.Question:How do you think Belinda and her pets would describe Custard after the pirate incident in the poem titled The Tale of Custard the Dragon? (120-150 words)

Answer: After the pirate incident in The Tale of Custard the Dragon, Belinda and her pets would describe Custard differently. Earlier, they teased him for being a coward, but now they would see him as a hero.

Belinda might call him brave for saving them when they were in danger. Ink, Blink, and Mustard would likely feel sorry for teasing him and admit they were wrong. They would now describe him as someone they can trust in difficult times.

Custard’s bravery would earn their respect, and they would see him as a valued and important part of their family.