Class 10 English First Flight Poem 9 The Tale of Custard the Dragon MIQs by PW

The Tale of Custard the Dragon is part of the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus and tells the story of a dragon who is seen as cowardly but later shows real courage. The poem is written in a light and humorous way, but it carries a clear message about bravery.

Physics Wallah provides important questions from this poem that are based on these ideas. Practising them helps in writing answers that stay clear, simple, and directly connected to the poem.

First Flight Poem 9 The Tale of Custard the Dragon MIQs

PW CBSE Class 10th English important questions for this poem are based on characters, actions, and the message about courage. The questions help in focusing on what each character represents and how the story develops.

1.How does Ogden Nash bring humour and amusement to the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon?

Ogden Nash makes the poem funny and entertaining by using simple and playful language. He creates funny situations where the brave characters, like Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard, act scared when danger comes, while the cowardly dragon, Custard, turns out to be the real hero.
This twist surprises the readers and makes them laugh. The rhyming words and the way he describes Custard as a "coward" add to the humour. The poem also has an exaggerated and light-hearted tone that keeps it fun and easy to enjoy.

2. Why is The Tale of Custard the Dragon more like a fable than a ballad?

The poem is more like a fable because it teaches a lesson. It shows that we should not judge someone by how they appear. Even though Custard seems cowardly, he is the bravest when it matters. This makes it similar to a fable, where stories usually have a moral or message.

3. If Mijbil were living in the world of the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon, how do you think he would have
(a) behaved with Custard?
(b) reacted to the appearance of the pirate? Rationalise your answer.

Ans.
(a) How would Mijbil behave with Custard?
Mijbil, being a playful and curious otter, would likely get along well with Custard. He might find Custard funny and enjoy playing around with him because Custard is kind and not aggressive.

(b) How would Mijbil react to the pirate?
Mijbil might be scared at first because the pirate looks dangerous. However, being smart and curious, he might hide or find a clever way to stay safe while watching what happens.

Why?
Mijbil is friendly and intelligent. He would behave based on his playful nature with Custard and his instinct to protect himself when faced with the pirate.

4. How did Custard prove ‘the cowardly dragon’ tag untrue?

Custard proved that he was not a coward when the pirate attacked. While everyone else, like Belinda and her pets, got scared and ran away, Custard stayed calm and fought the pirate bravely. He used his strength and courage to defeat the pirate all by himself. This showed that Custard was actually very brave, even though others thought he was a coward.

5. How does the usage of words like ‘realio trulio’ create a wonderful poetic effect?

Words like ‘realio trulio’ make the poem playful and fun. They give the poem a silly and light-hearted feel, which makes it entertaining and enjoyable to read. It also adds a unique rhythm and charm to the poem.

6. Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the ‘poster-boy’ for the belief that the real nature of a person is revealed at times of the greatest difficulty?

Custard seemed cowardly, but when danger came, he showed his true bravery by fighting the pirate. This proves that people’s true nature is revealed in tough situations. Custard's courage when it mattered most shows he is not a coward after all.

7. Why do you think the poet named the animals Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard?

The poet used these names because they sound playful and match the funny tone of the poem. Ink and Blink rhyme, Mustard sounds sharp like mustard sauce, and Custard's name matches his "cowardly" image. The names make the characters memorable and fun.

8. Why did the poet choose to include a pirate instead of a burglar or intruder?

The poet chose a pirate because pirates are more exciting and dramatic. Pirates bring a sense of adventure and danger to the story, which makes it more thrilling for readers. A burglar or intruder might not have created the same exciting and adventurous feel.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Important Questions PDF by PW

The Physics Wallah PDF for this poem includes questions based on characters, theme, and key events. It helps in practising how to explain the difference between appearance and reality in simple terms. Going through these questions also improves clarity and makes it easier to write answers during exams without confusion.