
CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Poem Chapter 7: CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Poem Chapter 7 The Tale of Custard the Dragon helps students understand the poem’s theme, characters, and literary devices.
This humorous ballad by Ogden Nash narrates the story of a cowardly dragon named Custard, who surprises everyone with his bravery when danger arrives.
These important questions cover extract-based comprehension, poetic devices, and critical thinking exercises to enhance exam preparation. Practicing these questions ensures a deeper understanding of the poem and boosts confidence for board exams.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous ballad by Ogden Nash that tells the story of a cowardly dragon named Custard. The poem follows Belinda, a young girl, who lives with her brave pet companions a kitten (Ink), a mouse (Blink), and a dog (Mustard).
While all the pets boast about their courage, Custard remains timid and fearful. However, when a pirate attacks their home, the so-called brave pets run away, while Custard unexpectedly fights back and defeats the pirate.
The poem playfully explores themes of courage, self-perception, and irony. It teaches that true bravery is revealed in moments of crisis, not through mere words.
Nash uses a lighthearted and rhythmic style, making the poem engaging and entertaining. The poem’s exaggerated characters and amusing tone make it a favorite among students, and solving important questions in this chapter helps in understanding poetic devices, character analysis, and thematic discussions effectively.
Practicing important questions from The Tale of Custard the Dragon helps students understand the poem’s themes, literary devices, and character analysis.
These questions cover key aspects like irony, humor, and the contrast between perception and reality. By solving them, students can enhance their comprehension and perform well in exams. The PDF link is available below for easy access to all important questions.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Poem Chapter 7 PDF
Here are the important questions from The Tale of Custard the Dragon to help you prepare for your exams.
These questions focus on the poem’s themes, literary devices, character analysis, and critical appreciation. Practicing them will strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence for the board exams.
1. How does Ogden Nash bring humor and amusement to the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon?
Ans: 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 humor. The poem also has an exaggerated and lighthearted 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?
Ans: The poem is more like a fable because it teaches a lesson. It shows that we shouldn’t 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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.
Better Understanding of the Poem – Answering important questions helps students grasp the theme, message, and poetic devices used by Ogden Nash.
Enhanced Exam Preparation – Practicing these questions familiarizes students with the types of questions that may appear in board exams, improving confidence and readiness.
Improved Analytical Skills – Analyzing the poem through different questions enhances critical thinking and interpretation skills, which are essential for literature-based questions.
Stronger Writing Skills – Regular practice helps in framing well-structured answers with appropriate literary references, improving overall writing proficiency.
Time Management – Practicing these questions within a time limit helps students learn how to manage their time efficiently during exams.
Develops a Deeper Appreciation for Poetry – Understanding poetic devices, humor, and storytelling techniques makes reading poetry more enjoyable and meaningful.
