Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 10th as Per Latest CBSE Syllabus
Chapter- 10 English Language and Literature- First Flight (Latest 2018-19)
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
By– Ogden Nash
About the Author- Ogden Nash – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Ogden Nash was born on 19 August 1902 in New York. He worked as a school teacher before becoming a copywriter. Nash’s first poems were published in ‘New Yorker in 1930. His first collection of poems entitled ‘Hard Lines’ was published in 1931. ‘The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus’ (1957) and ‘Girls are Silly’ (1962) are among his famous books. Nash is perhaps best remembered for his ‘non-sense poetry’. Nash died on 19 May 1971.
Introduction of the lesson- The Tale of Custard the Dragon
this is a comical poem written by Ogden Nash. It is written in the form of a ballad. Belinda lives in a little white house with her four pets. They are Ink-little black kitten, Blink-a little grey mouse, Mustard-a little yellow dog and custard-a little pet dragon. They have a red wagon. A pirate attacks them. Belinda cries for help. The dragon gobbles the pirate.
Plot/ Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson/ Literary Analysis of The Tale of Custard the Dragon/ Main Idea
`The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a whimsical fantasy. Belinda lives alone in her house with four pets, a dog, a cat, a mouse and a dragon named Custard. All other dwellers of the house except Custard, pride themselves on their fearlessness. They mock poor Custard for his timidity. However, when the real danger comes all others run away in a panic except Custard. Only Custard fights ferociously and swallows the pirate. The poem ends ironically. After the danger is past, everyone begins to boast again about their courage. Ironically, Custard who fought like a hero against the pirate agrees that everyone else is braver than he is. So, appearances may be deceptive. And even your merit and real value may not be recognised by your unwilling rivals.
Style The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Ogden Nash is remembered for his ‘non-sense poetry’. The story is an unusual one. It is full of rhyming words like `realio, trulio’, ‘Ink and Blink’, etc. The rhyming scheme of the lines is a a, b b. The poem was written especially for children, in fact, looks like a fairy tale. In the poem, we find a fantastical creature like Custard the dragon, as well as everyday creatures like the cat, the dog and the mouse. All these characters are ‘personified’. The poet uses the poetic device of an oxymoron when he writes the phrase ‘pet dragon’. Dragons can’t be kept as pets. The poet uses similes as poetic devices when he compares the dragon’s mouth with a fireplace or compares Belinda with a barrel of bears.
Summary in English- The Tale of Custard the Dragon
the Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a comical poem written by Ogden Nash. A young lady name Belinda lived in a little white house with her four pets. They were Ink-a little black kitten, Blink-a little grey mouse, Mustard-a yellow dog and Custard-a little pet dragon. Ink, Blink and Mustard boasted of their bravery. They often made fun of custard for his cowardice. One day a pirate breaks into Belinda’s house. He had pistols in both hands. Ink, Blink and Mustard run away in fear and hide. But custard faces the pirate bravely and kills him. Belinda was very much happy with Custard. She embraced him. The other pets also danced with joy. But soon after they were again boasting of their bravery. Belinda was again taken in by them. She showered all her care for Ink, Blink and Mustard and leaving Custard crying for a nice safe cage.
DETAILED SUMMARY The Tale of Custard the Dragon (2)
1.Belinda and Her Pets: Belinda lived in a little white house. She lived there with her pets. They were: a black kitten, a grey mouse, a little yellow dog and a dragon named Custard. The black kitten was named Ink. The mouse was called Blink. The dog was called Mustard. All other pets except Custard were thought to be very courageous and brave. The custard was meek and coward and always longed for a safe cage. Belinda and her pets mocked at him. Outwardly, the dragon had big sharp teeth. His mouth looked like a fireplace and there were ‘daggers’ on his toes. But all other pets and Belinda only mocked at him for his timidity and lack of courage. Belinda was as brave as a ‘barrel of bears’. Ink and Blink could chase ‘lions down the stairs’. Mustard, the yellow dog was as brave as a tiger.
2. The custard was Mocked: Belinda tickled Custard unmercifully. Blink and Mustard rudely called him Percival, a great warrior. They asked his age. Poor Custard cried timidly for a nice safe cage.
3. Pirate Attacked: Suddenly, a nasty sound was heard. The dog growled and all others looked around. They saw a pirate climbing in through the window. He held a pistol in each of his hand. He held a dagger in his mouth. His beard was black. One of his legs was of wood. He looked terrible and his intentions too seemed terrible.
4. Belinda Cried for Help and Pets Ran Away in Fear: When Belinda saw the pirate, her face became pale. She cried for help. The dog Mustard fled away and Ink hid in fear. The little mouse Blink entered his hole.
5. Custard Fought Bravely and Swallowed the Pirate: The dragon Custard attacked the pirate with his powerful tail. He pounced upon the pirate as a robin pounces at a worm. The pirate fired two bullets at Custard but they missed the aim. Custard swallowed him at once. Belinda embraced Custard. Mustard licked him. Ink and Blink danced joyfully around him.
6. Poor Custard Not Given His Due: The dragon Custard killed and swallowed the pirate. However, he was not given his due. Belinda and her pets started patting themselves for their courage and bravery. The poor Custard was again mocked at for his meekness and timidity.
Value Points of the Poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon
- Belinda lived in a little white house.
- She lived there with her pets.
- Her pets contained a black kitten, Ink, a grey mouse, Blink, a yellow dog, Mustard and a dragon named Custard.
- All other pets were considered sharp and brave.
- Only Custard was considered as a coward who always ‘cried for a nice safe cage.
- ‘ The dragon had sharp teeth. There were spikes on top and scales beneath him. He spat fire and had daggers on his toes.
- Belinda and her pets mocked Custard for his timidity.
- Suddenly, they saw a pirate climbing up through the window.
- The pirate had a pistol in each hand and a dagger in his mouth.
- His beard was black and one of the legs was of wood.
- Belinda turned pale on seeing the pirate and cried for help.
- The dog Mustard fled crying. Ink hid himself and the little mouse Blink disappeared in the mousehole.
- But Custard jumped up at the pirate attacking him with his iron tail.
- 14.. He pounced upon the pirate, killed and swallowed him within no time.
- Belinda embraced Custard. Mustard licked him. Ink and Blink danced around him.
- Then, everyone started bragging again of his bravery forgetting the bravery shown by Custard.
- Custard agreed that everybody was braver than him.
- Belinda is still considered as brave as ‘a barrel full of bears’. All her pets, except Custard, are considered sharp and brave.
- Only Custard is mocked at for his timidity and lack of courage.
DETAILED SUMMARY in Hindi – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ Ogden Nash दोयरा लिखित एक हास्य कबिता है बेलिंडा नामं की एक नबयौब्ति अपने चार पालतू जानबरो के साथ एक छोटे से घर में रहती थी बे थे इंक -एक छोटा काले रंग का बिल्ली का बच्चा,ब्लिंक -एक छोटा सिलेटी रंग का चूहा,मस्टर्ड -एक पीले रंग का कुत्ता और कस्टर्ड एक छोटा पालतू अज़गर. इंक ,ब्लिंग और मस्टर्ड हमेशा अपनी बहादुरी की शेखी मारते रहते थे बे कस्टर्ड का उसकी कायरता के लिए प्राया मजाक उड़ाया करते थे
एक दिन डाकू बेलिंडा के घर में घुस जाता है उसके दोनों हाथो में पिश्टॉले थी इंक ,ब्लिंक और मस्टर्ड डरकर भाग जाते है और सोएम को छुपा लेते है लकिन कस्टर्ड बहादुरी के साथ डाकू का सामना करता है और उसे मार देता है बेलिंडा कस्टर्ड से बहुत अधिक खुश थी उसने उसे गले से लगा लिया दूसरे जानबरो ने ख़ुशी के मारे नृत्य किया लेकिन उसके सीग्र बाद ही बे पुनः अपनी बहादुरी की शेखी मारने लगे बेलिंडा फिर से उनकी बातो में आ गई बाह अपना सारा प्यार इंक,ब्लिंक और मस्टर्ड को देने लगी और उसने कस्टर्ड को एक सुंदर सुरछित पिजरे की मांग के साथ छोड़ दिया
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Extra Questions and Answers
COMPREHENSION OF STANZAS The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Read the following stanzas and answer the questions that follow :
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 real, truly, little pet dragon.
Questions :
(a) Where did Belinda live?
(b) What was the colour of the kitten?
(c) Apart from the kitten which other animals were living with her?
(d) Give a pair of rhyming words.
(e) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
Answers :
(a) Belinda lived in a little white house.
(b) The kitten was of black in colour.
(c) The other animals were: a mouse, a dog and a dragon.
(d) The rhyming words are :
house-mouse
wagon-dragon
(e) The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ‘aabb‘.
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.
Questions :
(a) What was the name of the kitten?
(b) What name did she give to the mouse?
(c) Why was the dragon named as ‘Custard’?
(d) What was the name of the dog?
(e) Name the poem and the poet.
Answers :
(a) The name of the kitten was Ink.
(b) She gave the name Blink to the mouse.
(c) The dragon was named as ‘Custard’ because he was a coward.
(d) The name of the dog was Mustard.
(e) Poem: The Tale of Custard the Dragon,
Poet: Ogden Nash.
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 really, truly daggers on his toes.
Questions :
(a) What was on top of the dragon’s body?
(b) How does the poet describe the dragon’s mouth and nose?
(c) What did the dragon have on his toes?
(d) What sort of teeth did he have?
(e) Write a pair of rhyming words.
Answers :
(a) The dragon had spikes on top of his body.
(b) The poet describes his mouth like a fireplace and nose like a chimney.
(c) He had daggers on his toes.
(d) He had big sharp teeth.
(e) The rhyming words are teeth—underneath, nose—toes.
STANZA 4
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stain,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Questions :
(a) How is Belinda described in the stanza?
(b) How did Ink and Blink show their strength?
(c) How did Mustard show his bravery?
(d) What did Custard cry for?
(e) Name the poem and the poet.
Answers :
(a) Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of hears.
(b) Ink and Blink showed their strength by chasing lions down the stain.
(c) Mustard showed his bravery in anger.
(d) Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
(e) Poem: ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Poet: Ogden Nash.
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 radio, truly, cowardly dragon.
Questions :
(a) Whom did Belinda tickle?
(b) Who was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard?
(c) How did the animals make fun of the dragon?
(d) What was the colour of the wagon?
(e) Who was cowardly?
Answers :
(a) Belinda tickled the dragon.
(b) The dragon was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard.
(c) All the animals laughed at him sitting in a little red wagon.
(d) The wagon was of red in colour.
(e) The dragon was cowardly.
STANZA 6
Belinda giggled fill she shook the house,
And Blink said Week ! which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Questions :
(a) How long did Belinda laugh?
(b) Which kind of giggling sound does a mouse produce?
(c) How did Ink and Mustard ask the mouse his age?
(d) What did custard cry for?
(e) Name the poem and the poet.
Answers :
(a) Belinda laughed till she shook the house.
(b) It is ‘Week’.
(c) They asked his age rudely.
(d) Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
(e) Poem: ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Poet: Ogden Nash.
STANZA 7
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
Meowch! cried Ink, and oak! cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the window.
Questions :
(a) What did they suddenly hear?
(b) What did Mustard do?
(c) What did they see in the window?
(d) Whose nasty sound was it?
(e) What was the pirate doing?
Answers :
(a) They suddenly heard a nasty sound.
(b) Mustard growled.
(c) They saw a pirate in the window.
(d) It was the pirate’s nasty sound.
(e) The pirate was climbing in the window.
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.
Questions :
(a) What did the pirate have in his hands?
(b) What was in his teeth?
(c) How does the poet describe his beard and leg?
(d) Did the pirate come for something good?
(e) Write a pair of rhyming words.
Answers :
(a) He had pistols in his hands.
(b) He had a sword in his teeth.
(c) His beard was black and his leg was of wooden.
(d) No, he did not come for something good.
(e) The rhyming words are :
right — bright wood
— good.
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 mousehole.
Questions :
(a) Why did Belinda get pale?
(b) What did Belinda cry for?
(c) What did Mustard do?
(d) What did Blink do seeing the pirate?
(e) What did Ink do on seeing the pirate?
Answers :
(a) Belinda got paled to see the pirate.
(b) Belinda cried for help.
(c) Mustard ran with a fearful bark.
(d) Blink ran into his hole.
(e) Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household.
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.
Questions :
(a) Upon whom did Custard jump?
(b) How did he clash his tail?
(c) What did he look like when he clashed with the pirate?
(d) How did custard snort?
(e) Write a pair of rhyming words.
Answers :
(a) Custard jumped on the pirate.
(b) He clashed his tail with clattering, clanking and jangling sounds.
(c) He looked like a robin falling on a worm.
(d) He snorted like an engine.
(e) The rhyming words are engine-dungeon, squirm-worm.
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.
Questions : (a) What did the pirate gulp?
(b) How did the pirate attack Custard?
(c) What did the dragon do to the pirate?
(d) Whose dragon was it?
(e) Name the poem and the poet.
Answers :
(a) The pirate gulped grog from his flagon.
(b) He fired two bullets but they did not hit.
(c) Custard, the dragon, swallowed him fully.
(d) It was Belinda’s dragon.
(e) Poem: ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’,
Poet: Ogden Nash.
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.
Questions :
(a) Whom did Belinda embrace?
(b) What did Mustard do?
(c) Who gyrated round Custard?
(d) What did no one mourn for?
(e) Who ate the pirate?
Answers :
(a) Belinda embraced Custard.
(b) Mustard licked Custard.
(c) Ink and Blink gyrated round Custard.
(d) No one mourned for the death of the pirate.
(e) The dragon ate the pirate.
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,
We’d have been three times as brave, we think,
And Custard said, I quite agree.
That everyone is braver than me.
Questions :
(a) What did Mustard say after the event?
(b) What did Ink and Blink speak about the situation?
(c) What was Custard’s reaction?
(d) Was Custard brave?
(e) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
Answers :
(a) Mustard said that he would have been twice brave if he had not become nervous.
(b) They said that they had been three times as brave.
(c) Custard agreed that everyone was braver than him.
(d) No, Custard was not brave.
(e) The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ‘aabbcc’.
STANZA 14
Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her link grey mouse,
And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
And her real, truly little pet dragon.
Questions :
(a) Where does Belinda still live?
(b) What is the colour of the kitten ?
(c) Of what colour is the wagon?
(d) With what is Belinda living?
(e) What type of dragon is it?
Answers :
STANZA 15
Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stain,
Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.
Questions :
(a) How brave is Belinda?
(b) Who chase the lions down the stain?
(c) What does Custard keep crying for?
(d) What is the quality of Mustard?
(e) Write a pair of rhyming words.
Answers :
(a) Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears.
(b) Ink and Blink chase the lions down the stairs.
(c) Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.
(d) Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage.
(e) The rhyming words are :
bears — stairs
rage — cage.
Stanza-16: (Page 129)
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 real, trulio, little pet dragon.
Word-Meaning: Kitten— the young one of a cat, Grey— of grey colour, Mouse— rat, Wagon— (here) cart Realio— really, Trulio— truly,
Paraphrase
Belinda lived in a little white house. She lived there with her pets. Her pets included a little black kitten. There was a little grey mouse. She had a little yellow dog and a little red wagon too. And to speak the truth, she had a little pet dragon
Questions:
(a) Where did Belinda live?
(b) What was the total member of pets that she had?
(c) What kind of a wagon she had?
(d) Is it true that she also had a little pet dragon?
Answers:
(a) Belinda lived in a little white house.
(b) She had four pets in all.
(c) She had a little red wagon.
(d) It is true that Belinda had also a little pet dragon.
Stanza-17: (Page 129)
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.
Word-Meaning: Sharp- very active, of sharp mind, Dragon— (here) a large aggressive animal with wings and a long tail, that can breathe out fire, Coward- a person who lacks courage
Paraphrase
The name of the little black kitten was Ink. The little grey mouse was called by the name Blink. And the little sharp dog was known as Mustard. But the dragon was coward. She called the dragon Custard.
Questions:
(a) What was the name of the little black kitten?
(b) What was the little grey mouse called?
(c) What kind of dog Mustard was?
(d) What did the other animals generally think about Custard, the dragon?
Answers:
(a) The name of the little black kitten was Ink.
(b) The little grey mouse was called Blink.
(c) The little yellow dog Mustard was quite sharp and active.
(d) The little pet dragon Custard was thought to be coward and lacked courage.
Stanza-18: (Page 129)
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 really, truly, daggers on his toes.
Word-Meaning: Spikes— sharp nails Scales— (here) layers, Underneath— below, Fireplace— hearth, Daggers— a sharp small sword,
Paraphrase
The dragon, Custard had big sharp teeth. On Custard, the top of him were sharp spikes. And there were scales underneath him. The dragon’s To mouth looked like a fireplace or hearth. His nose looked like a chimney. And really he had dagger-like sharp spikes on his toes.
Questions:
(a) What kind of teeth did the dragon have?
(b) How did the dragon look fearful?
(c) Why did his mouth look like a fireplace?
(d) What was on his toes?
Answers:
(a) The dragon, Custard had big sharp teeth.
(b) There were sharp nails on the top and scales underneath the body of the dragon.
(c) The dragon could spit fire and his mouth looked like a burning fireplace.
(d) There was sharp dagger-like nails on his toes.
Stanza-19: (Page 129)
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.
Word-Meaning: Barrel – a big box, Stairs— a set of steps leading from one floor to another, Chase- to follow someone, Cage— a lace where bird and animals are kept in the zoo,
Paraphrase
Belinda was braver than many bears put together. Ink and Blink were so brave that they could chase even lions down the stairs. Mustard, the dog, was as brave as a tiger in anger and rage. But Custard always cried like a coward to be put up in a nice safe cage.
Questions:
(a) Was Belinda a brave girl?
(b) What could Ink and Blink do?
(c) What does the poet say about Mustard?
(d) Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage?
Answers:
(a) Belinda was braver than many bears.
(b) Ink and Blink could chase even lions down the stairs.
(c) Mustard is as brave as a tiger when he is in rage.
(d) The custard was a coward and always cried to be put up in a nice safe cage.
Stanza-20: (Page 130)
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 radio, truly, cowardly dragon.
Word-Meaning: Tickled— moved fingers on the sensitive part to make laugh, Unmerciful— without kindness, Rudely— in a rude manner, Percival— a hero, Cowardly— one who is easily frightened
Paraphrase
Belinda tickled the dragon and she used to tickle him mercilessly. Ink, Blink and Mustard mocked him by calling Percival, the brave. All of them sat together in the little red wagon and laughed at Custard. They used to laugh at the coward dragon.
Questions:
(a) Who did Belinda tickle and why?
(b) What did Ink, Blink and Mustard do?
(c) What did they do sifting in the little red wagon?
(d) What did they generally think of Custard?
Answers:
(a) Belinda used to tickle the pet dragon mercilessly to ridicule him.
(b) The three of them mocked at the dragon calling him Percival, the brave.
(c) They sat in the little red wagon and laughed at the dragon.
(d) Generally, they thought that Custard was a coward.
Stanza-21: (Page 130)
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.
Word-Meaning: Giggled— laughed rudely Said weeck— (here) giggled like a mouse, Rudely— in an insulting manner,
Paraphrase
Belinda giggled loudly till the whole house shook to its foundation. Blink giggled too like a mouse. Ink and Mustard were very rude to the dragon, Custard. They insulted him by asking repeatedly about his age. Custard cried like a coward begging for a nice safe cage for him.
Questions:
(a) How did Belinda’s giggle affect the house?
(b) How did Blink giggle?
(c) How was Custard insulted?
(d) What did Custard say again and again?
Answers:
(a) Belinda’s loud giggle shook the very foundation of the house.
(b) Blink giggled like a mouse.
(c) Ink and Mustard insulted Custard by asking his age rudely.
(d) Custard repeatedly begged for a nice safe cage for him.
Stanza-22: (Page 130)
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 window.
Word-Meaning: Nasty— bad, unpleasant, Growled— growled in anger Meowch— cried like a cat, Pirate— a sea-robber, Winda (Window)— the passage in the wall for fresh air and sunlight
Paraphrase
Then all of a sudden, they heard a very unpleasant sound. After hearing it, Mustard growled and all of them looked around. Ink cried “meowch!” and Belinda cried “oh!” They saw that there was a pirate who was climbing in through the window.
Questions:
(a) What kind of sound did they hear?
(b) What happened after they heard the sound?
(c) How did Ink and Belinda react?
(d) Who was ‘climbing in the wind’?
Answers:
(a) They heard a nasty sound suddenly.
(b) They were surprised and looked around.
(c) Ink ‘mewed!’ and Belinda cried “ooh!” in surprise.
(d) A pirate was climbing through the window.
Stanza-23: (Page 130)
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.
Word-Meaning: Cutlass- a dagger, Meant no good— his intention was not good.
Paraphrase
The pirate had a pistol in his left hand. He also held another pistol in his right hand. He was holding a shining dagger among his teeth. His beard was black. One of the legs was of wood. It was quite clear that the pirate meant no good to them.
Questions:
(a) What did he hold in both of his hands?
(b) What did he hold in his teeth?
(c) What was so special about his legs?
(d) What was the intention of the pirate?
Answers:
(a) The pirate held a pistol in each of his hands.
(b) He held a shining dagger in his teeth.
(c) One of his legs was of wood.
(d) The intention of the pirate didn’t seem to be good.
Stanza-24: (Page 130)
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 mousehole.
Word-Meaning: Paled— her complexion faded, Fled— (and form of fleeing) ran away, Terrified— in terror, Yelp— cry, Trickle— to reached, Strategically— (here) as the situation demanded, Mousehole— entered the hole,
Paraphrase
When Belinda saw the pirate, her face became pale with fear. She started crying for help. Mustard was terrified and fled crying. Ink hid at the bottom of the household. The little mouse Blink entered its hole and saved himself strategically in this way.
Questions:
(a) How did Belinda react to the pirate?
(b) What did Mustard do?
(c) Where did Ink hide?
(d) What strategy did Blink adopt?
Answers:
(a) Belinda became pale at the sight of the pirate.
(b) Mustard fled away terrified.
(c) Ink hid at the bottom of the household.
(d) The little mouse Blink entered its hole to save himself as it was the best strategy for him.
Stanza-25: (Page 130)
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tails 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.
Word-Meaning: Snorting— making the sound of an engine, Clashed— struck, Dungeon— prison, Clatter and clank— making a rattling sound, Jangle— making a harsh metallic sound, Squirm— wriggle, Robin— a sparrow, Worm— insect,
Paraphrase
The dragon Custard jumped up. He was snorting like an engine. His tail clashed with the pirate as the iron chains strike on the dungeon floor. With a clattering and clanking sound, he made his body hard and twisted. He pounced upon the pirate as a robin pounces upon at a worm.
Questions:
(a) How did Custard snort?
(b) How did Custard attack the pirate with his tail?
(c) How did he squirm?
(d) What is Custard’s fight with the pirate compared with?
Answers:
(a) Custard snorted like an engine.
(b) Custard, the dragon attacked the pirate with his tail as iron chains strike on the dungeon floor.
(c) Custard squirmed making a jangling sound.
(d) Custard pounced upon the pirate as a robin pounces upon an insect.
Stanza-26: (Page 130)
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.
Word-Meaning: Gape— watched intently, Gulped— drank down, Grog— (here) wine, Flagon— a narrow container, Fired— fired bullets, Gobbled— swallowed, Every bit— completely,
Paraphrase
The pirate watched intently at Belinda’s dragon Custard. He took out a small container from his pocket and gulped down some wine. He fired two bullets at the dragon but missed the aim. The bullets didn’t hit Custard. The dragon swallowed every bit of the pirate immediately.
Questions:
(a) How did the pirate watch the dragon?
(b) What did he have in the flagon?
(c) Did the bullets hit the dragon?
(d) What fate did the pirate meet?
Answers:
(a) The pirate watched the dragon intently.
(b) He had wine in the flagon.
(c) No, the bullets didn’t hit the dragon.
(d) The dragon swallowed every bit of the pirate immediately.
Stanza-27: (Page 131)
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.
Word-Meaning: Embraced— held tightly in arms, Lick— licked with tongue, Mourned— expressed grief, Victim— prey, Glee— happiness, Gyrate— danced around,
Paraphrase
Belinda embraced Custard. Mustard started licking him. No one mourned for their pirate victim who was dead. Ink and Blink danced around the dragon who had just swallowed the pirate.
Questions:
(a) How did Belinda treat Custard?
(b) What did Ink and Blink do?
(c) What did Mustard do to Custard?
(d) Did they mourn the death of the pirate?
Answers:
(a) Belinda embraced Custard as he had killed the pirate.
(b) Ink and Blink danced around Custard.
(c) Mustard licked Custard out of love.
(d) No, none of them mourned the death of the pirate.
Stanza-28: (Page 131)
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,
We’d have been three times as brave, we think,
And Custard said, I quite agree
That everybody is braver than me.
Word-Meaning: Presently- now, spoke- 2nd form of speak: said Flustered— became nervous Quite – completely,
paraphrase
Soon the little dog Mustard began to speak. He declared that if he had not been nervous, he would have been twice as brave as he was. Then ink and Blink replied that in their views, they would have been thrice as brave as they had been. Custard readily agreed that everybody there was braver than him.
Questions:
(a) What excuse did Mustard make?
(b) What did Ink and Blink claim?
(c) What did Custard say?
(d) What does it show about Custard’s character?
Answers:
(a) Mustard told that he would have been twice as brave had he not been nervous.
(b) Ink and Blink claimed that they would have been thrice braver.
(c) Custard agreed that everybody was braver than he himself was.
(d) It shows that Custard was timid and lacked self-respect.
(Last two stanzas have been repeated)
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS/ Quiz- The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1.Where did Belinda live?
(A) in a red house (B) in a white house
(C) in a small but Am (D) in a mud house
Ans. (B) in a white house
2. Who lived with Belinda?
(A) , her father (B) her mother
(C) her pets (D) all of the above
Ans. (C) her pets
3. The colour of their wagon was :
(A) red (B) white
(C) green (D) yellow
Ans. (A) red
4. The name of the little black kitten was :
(A) Ink (B) Blink
(C) Mustard (D) Custard
Ans. (A) Ink
5. Who was Blink?
(A) kitten (B) mouse
(C) dog (D) dragon
Ans. (B) mouse.
6. Which of the following boasted to be brave?
(A) Ink (B) Blink
(C) Mustard (D) all of the above
Ans. (C) Mustard
7. The name of the yellow little dog was :
(A) Ink (B) Blink
(C) Mustard (D) Custard
Ans. (C) Mustard
8. The name of the dragon was :
(A) Ink (B) Blink
(C) Mustard (D) Custard
Ans. (D) Custard
9. What did the other animal make fun of the dragon?
(A) for his cowardice (B) for his small size
(C) for his big mouth (D) all of the above
Ans. (A) for his cowardice
10. Who attacked Belinda’s house?
(A) a soldier (B) a pirate
(C) an army (D) a lion
Ans. (B) a pirate
11. Who killed the pirate?
(A) Belinda (B) Ink and Blink
(C) Mustard (D) Custard
Ans. (D) Custard
12. What did Custard long for?
(A) a nice safe cage (B) a nice self forest
(C) a pirate (D) Belinda’s love
Ans. (A) a nice safe cage
Extract Based / comprehension test Questions and Answers of The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1.’Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With a little black kitten and her little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and her little wagon,
And her regalia, truly little pet dragon.
(a) To whom do the pets belong?
(b) Identify the poetic device used in the above lines.
(c) How many pets did Belinda have?
(d) What is the rhyme scheme in the stanza?
Ans. (a) Belinda
(b) Alliteration
(c) Four.
(d) a; a; b, b.
2. ‘Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
And Blink said Week! Which is giggling for a mouse?
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage’.
(a) Name the poem and its poet.
(b) Why were Belinda and Blink giggling?
(c) What was the reaction of Belinda and other animals when they heard Custard crying for a nice cage?
(d) What does the growing of Mustard show?
Ans. (a) The Tale of Custard the Dragon.By OgdenNash.
(b) They were giggling at the Dragon because he always cried for a safety cage.
(c) They laughed at him. Mustard and Ink were rude and impolite as they asked Cuss what his age was.
(d) The growing of Mustard shows that he was angry by the interruption in their fun.
3. “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) Who is ‘Mustard’ in the above lines?
(b) What did Custard generally cry for?
(c) Who are the characters in the above lines? List them with their pet names.
(d) What is the rhyme scheme of the above stanza?
Ans. (a) the yellow dog.
(b) Custard cried for a nice, safe cage.
(c) 1. Belinda — Girl
2.Ink — Kitten
3.Blink — Mouse
4.Mustard — Dog
5.Custard — Dragon.
(d)a a bb.
4. 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 regalia, truly, cowardly dragon.
(a) Who was Belinda?
(b) Why did Belinda and the other pets laugh at the dragon?
(c) Who are Ink and Blink?
(d) Why did they make fun of the dragon?
Ans. (a) Belinda was a small girl who lived in a small white house.
(b) Belinda and the other pets laughed at the dragon because he appeared to be a coward.
(c) Ink is the kitten and Blink is the mouse.
(d) Because it amused them, as he appeared to be a coward.
5. 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.
(a) Holkham’ refers to ———-
(b) Notch mourned the death of pirate because he had ———–
(c) In the extract, humour lies in the fact that Ink and Blink are————–
(d) Whom did Belinda embrace?
Or
(a) What did the dragon do?
(b) Why were Ink and Blink happy?
(c) Who is the victim?
(d) The rhyme scheme of the stanza is————–
Ans. (a) Custard
(b) come to kill Belinda.
(c) celebrating the victory of the dragon.
(d) Custard, the dragon.
Or
(a) He ate the pirate.
(b) Because the pirate was killed.
(c) The pirate.
(d) aabb
6. 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 mousehole.
(a) Why did Belinda cry for help?
(b) What did Mustard do?
(c) How did Ink react?
(d) Mustard yelped because he was scared of at———
Ans. (a) Because she was afraid of the pirate.
(b) He fled with a terrified yelp. `
(c) He trickled down to the bottom of the household.
(d) the pirate
7. 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 really, truly daggers on his toes.
(a) Custard was the
(b) Its nose looked like a
(c) Who was Custard?
(d) What was beneath his body?
Ans. (a) dragon
(b) chimney
(c) The custard was a dragon.
(d) Scales
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.
(a) Who is ‘he’ in the second line?
(b) What was wrong with his one leg?
(c) Who held the pistols?
(d) What did the dragon do to him?
Ans. (a) The pirate.
(b) It was made of wood.
(c) The pirate.
(d) Ate him.
9. 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.
(a) What is the rhyme scheme of the stanza?
(b) Who is projected as the hero in the above lines?
(c) How did Custard deal with the pirate?
(d) What were the bullets fired for?
Ans. (a) a, a, b, b.
(b) The dragon, Custard.
(c) He ate him.
(d) for killing Custard.
Very Short Answer Type Questions – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
Q.1. Where did Belinda live? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-D)]
Ans. Belinda lived in a little white house.
Q.2. What was the name of Belinda’s little black kitten? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-D)]
Ans. His name was Ink.
Q.3. Who was Blink?
Ans. Blink was Belinda’s little grey mouse.
Q.4. Who was Mustard?
Ans. Mustard was Belinda’s little yellow dog.
Q.S. What name was given to the dragon?
Ans. He was given a name custard.
Q.6. Who was called cowardly?
Ans. The custard was called cowardly.
Q.7. Who attacked over them?
Ans. A pirate attacked over them.
Q.8. Who faced the pirate bravely?
Ans. Custard faced the pirate bravely.
Q.9. What happened to the pirate?
Ans. He was killed by the dragon.
Q.10. Who mourned over the death of the pirate?
Ans. None mourned over the death of the pirate.
Q.11. What did the dragon cry for?
Ans. The dragon cried for a nice safe cage.
Short Answer Type Important Questions – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears’ Identify two poetic devices used in the above line.
Ans. (a) As brave as a barrel—Similie.
(b) Brave, a barrel full of bears—Alliteration.
2. Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to her help?
Ans. (i) Belinda cried for help because she was afraid of the pirate who had:tale:kin: dill
(ii) The custard came to her help.
3. How did Belinda’s pets other than Custard face the pirate?
Ans. All the animals other than the dragon used to boast about their bravery and made the fun of the dragon. But when the pirate entered the house, all got scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard, the dragon.
4. How did each of Belinda’s pets react at the sight of the pirate?
Ans. Each of Belinda’s pets ran away and hid. They were scared at the sight of the pirate.
5. Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Ans. The pirate entered from the window. He had pistols in his left and right hand. He held a bright cutlass in his teeth. His beard was black and one leg was wood.
6. Belinda was a sweet little girl who lived in her sweet little white house. Who else lived with her in that house?
Or
Who all lived in a white house with Belinda?
Ans. Belinda lived in a white house with Ink— a black kitten, Blink — a grey mouse, Mustard — a yellow dog, Custard — a dragon and a red wagon.
7. Why did everyone make fun of the dragon?
Ans. Everyone in the house used to laugh at the dragon because he always cried for a safe cage whereas others used to boast about their bravery.
Q.8. How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the death of the pirate?
Ans. They became very happy. Belinda embraced him. Mustard licked him. Ink and Blink jumped round surrounding him. They expressed their joy in this way. No one mourned for the pirate.
Q.9. What did they say about their bravery after the pirate’s death?
Ans. Mustard said that he would have been twice as brave if he had not got nervous. Ink and Blink said that they had been three times as brave as he. But Custard said that he agreed with them. He said that they were braver than him.
Q.10. Who among them was actually brave? How did he show his bravery?
Ans. Custard, the dragon, was the only one who was actually brave. The others were all cowards. They disappeared when they saw the pirate. But the dragon-faced him bravely and swallowed him up.
Q.11. How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-C)]
Ans. A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an adventure, bravery, romance, etc. Then it is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. This poem has these qualities. But it is a parody of a ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a humorous way.
Q.12. What were the pet names of Belinda’s animals?
Ans. The little black kitten was called Ink. She gave the name Blink to the little grey mouse. The little yellow dog’s pet name was Mustard. The dragon was given the pet name Custard.
Q.13. How does the poet describe Belinda and her animals’ bravery? How was Custard different from them?
Ans. The poet says that Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink followed lions down the stairs. Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage. But Custard was a coward. He kept crying for a nice safe cage.
Q.14. How did the animals make fun of the dragon?
Ans. They laughed at the dragon. Belinda teased the dragon. She tickled him very hard. Ink, Blink and Mustard called him Percival. They sat in the red wagon and laughed at the cowardly dragon.
Q.15. Belinda and the other animals have been described as brave. But on seeing the pirate they behaved in a cowardly way. How did they react?
Ans. Belinda turned pale with fear. She cried for help. Mustard ran barking fearfully. Ink went to the bottom of the house. The little mouse ran into his hole in no time.
Q.16. How did Custard prove to be brave when the pirate came?
Ans. Custard, the dragon, jumped and snorted like an engine. He struck the pirate with his tail like irons. There were different sounds of clatter, clank and jangle. He attacked the pirate as a robin attacks a worm.
Q.17. How did the pirate react when the dragon attacked him?
Ans. The pirate looked at the dragon with an open mouth. He swallowed some liquor from his pocket flagon. He fired two bullets. But they did not hit the dragon. The dragon attacked him and swallowed him.
Q.18. Where did Belinda live? Which animals lived with her?
Ans. Belinda lived in a little white house. Some animals also lived with her. They were: a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog and little pet dragon.
Q19. What were the names of Belinda’s pets? Do their names reflect their personalities?
Ans. Belinda has four pets. They are a little black kitten, Ink, a little yellow dog, Mustard, a grey mouse named Blink and a dragon called Custard. Yes, their names reflect their colours and traits. The black kitten Ink is black as ink. Mustard, the dog is yellow like mustard flowers. The cowardly Custard has no strength of character like the dish, custard.
Q20. How is the bravery of Belinda and her pets described in the poem? Do they really prove their courage and bravery?
Ans. Belinda and her pets are projected as very courageous and brave in the poem. Belinda is braver than a barrel of bears. Ink and Blink could chase even lions down the stairs. Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage. Only Custard, the dragon was considered to be timid and cowardly. Ironically, all proved cowards except Custard who fought against and swallowed the pirate.
Q21. Describe the outward appearance of Custard, the dragon. Why did he always cry for a nice safe cage?
Ans. Outwardly, Custard was a picture of power and strength. His teeth were big and sharp. There were spikes on top of him. His mouth spat fire. He had a big nose that resembled a chimney. There were daggers on his toes. However, Custard didn’t possess the strength of character. He lacked courage. He was not the courage of his real strength and always begged for a nice safe cage for his protection.
Q22. Why did Belinda tickle Custard mercilessly? Why was he teased as `Percival’?
Ans. Belinda had a very poor opinion of Custard. She considered him a coward and always taunted and tickled him for being so. All other pets, Ink, Blink and Mustard mocked at Custard’s timidity and lack of courage. Tauntingly, they called him Percival, who was a brave knight of King Arthur.
Q23. How did they react when they heard a nasty sound?
Ans. Suddenly, Belinda and her pets heard a nasty sound. They were highly surprised. Mustard growled and Ink mewed. Belinda, herself gave a cry of disbelief. Actually, it was the sound of a pirate climbing through the window.
Q24. Describe the dreadful appearance of the pirate.
Ans. The pirate looked quite dreadful aitanddominating. He carried a pistol in his left as well as in right hand. He held a shining dagger in his mouth. His beard was black and one of his legs was of wood. It seemed that his intentions were terrible.
Q25. How did Belinda and her pets react to seeing the pirate?
Ans. Belinda and her pets were completely terrified of seeing the pirate. Belinda became pale with fear. She started crying for help. The dog Mustard fled with a terrified yelp. Ink hid and Blink saved himself by entering a hole.
Q26. How did Custard face the pirate differently than Belinda and her pets?
Ans. While Belinda herself was terrified on seeing the pirate, her other pets also behaved quite cowardly. While they fled away in fear, Custard faced the pirate like a hero. He attacked the pirate with his tall tail. He pounced upon the pirate as a robin pounces upon an insect. He swallowed the pirate within no time.
Q27. Why did Belinda and her pets prove ungrateful to Custard who killed the pirate? Why did they again start calling him timid and cowardly?
Ans. Belinda and her pets showed a temporary appreciation of Custard’s heroic feat. Belinda embraced him and other pets danced around him. But that was the end of it. They again started indulging in self-patting and self-praise. They showed their Ungratefulness by undermining and not acknowledging Custard heroic fight with the pirate.
Q28. How did Belinda and her pets behave when the pirate was killed?
Ans. Belinda became so happy that she embraced Custard intimately. Her pets also celebrated the death of the pirate by dancing around Custard joyfully. However, they gave no credit to Custard for his heroic feat. On the other hand, they indulged in self-praise and self-patting.
Q29. What lesson or the message does the poet seem to give to the readers?
Ans. The poet gives a definite message. Merely outer appearances and physical strength don’t make a person brave. One should have the strength of mind and self-confidence to be really great. The dragon, Custard had a lot of physical strength and he swallowed the pirate. In spite of that, he was bullied and mocked at for his timidity and cowardly behaviour.
Q30. How did Custard prove that he was not a coward?
Ans. Custard proved that he was not a coward by gobbling up the pirate of whom all were afraid.
Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each – The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1. Why do you think Custard, the dragon, was called a coward? How was Custard able to save all his house-mates from the pirate? What values should Belinda have possessed so that Custard too could have been among her favourites?
Ans. The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe cage so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when the pirate entered the house with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone was scared and ran away and disappeared, except Custard who faced him boldly-attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him. Belinda should have been nice to him. She should have made him feel comfortable and safe in the house instead of laughing and making fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards him.
2. Describe the fight between the dragon and the pirate.
Ans. The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and scales underneath but everyone laughed at him as he always cried for a safe cage whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. But when the pirate entered, all were scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard who faced him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him. All of them later felt obliged to Custard for saving their lives.
3. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why the dragon is called ‘cowardly dragon’? How did he prove everyone wrong?
Ans. The Custard every time cried for a nice safe cage because he thought that the little white house in which he lived with Belinda and her other friends was not safe.
The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe cage so he was called a dragon. Later when the pirate entered the house everyone was scared and ran and disappeared, except Custard who faced him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard 1118 forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him.
Q4. In spite of being so powerful and displaying rare bravery of killing and swallowing the pirate, why does the dragon Custard taunt as being a coward always asking for a nice safe cage?
Ans. No doubt, Custard has a lot of physical strength. Even his exterior was quite formidable. He had big sharp teeth. There were spikes on his top. There were scales underneath. His mouth was like a fireplace always spitting fire. He proved his strength and bravery when he encountered the terrible pirate. The pirate had two pistols and a dagger but failed to hurt or overpower Custard. The dragon fought valiantly and swallowed the dragon within no time. Custard is constantly ridiculed and taunted by the weaker and more cowardly pets of Belinda. The reason was simple. The custard had no self-respect. Nor was he aware of his great strength. He had a very low opinion of himself. He always asked for a nice safe cage for his protection. This was the reason that he was always taunted and ridiculed as a coward.
Q5. Evaluate Ogden Nash’s ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ as a ballad. What message does the poet give to the readers in this poem?
Ans. Ballads are stories told in verse. Generally, ballads are tales of adventures and heroism. In the poem, the poet does present the encounter of Custard and the pirate in the typical spirit of a ballad. The four-line stanzas have the rhyme scheme: aa, bb throughout the poem.
Ogden Nash gives a subtle message to the readers through the fate of Custard, the dragon. In this world of deceit, self-confidence, self-dependence and self-respect are essentials to earn your rightful place among your peers. The mere presence of physical strength is not enough. The more important point is that you must be conscious of your strength. You must be fully aware of the fact that many others who are far inferior in strength and power should have no right to taunt and ridicule you.
