class 10 English - Very Important & Question Anwers

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks)

Word limit: 30-40 words

Q1. Who were the inhabitants of the little white house?

Ans: The house belonged to a girl named Belinda. She lived with her four pets: a little black kitten (Ink), a little grey mouse (Blink), a little yellow dog (Mustard), and a “cowardly” dragon named Custard. She also had a little red wagon.

Q2. How did the other pets make fun of Custard the Dragon?

Ans: The other pets were very boastful. They called Custard “cowardly” and teased him by calling him Percival (a brave knight), mocking his lack of courage. Belinda would tickle him unmercifully, and they all sat in the red wagon laughing at the “realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.”

Q3. Describe the physical appearance of Custard the Dragon.

Ans: Despite being called a coward, Custard looked quite fearsome. He had big sharp teeth, spikes on top of him, and scales underneath. His mouth was like a fireplace, his nose was like a chimney, and he had “daggers on his toes.”

Q4. What happened when the pirate entered the house?

Ans: When the pirate climbed in through the window, the “brave” pets fled in terror. Ink, Blink, and Mustard hid in different corners of the house. Only the “cowardly” Custard jumped up, snorting like an engine, clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon, and ate the pirate in one go.

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Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Word limit: 100-120 words

Q1. “Appearances can be deceptive.” Prove this statement with reference to the poem.

Ans: The poem is a perfect example of how true character is revealed only during a crisis. Belinda and her three pets (Ink, Blink, and Mustard) boasted about their bravery constantly—comparing themselves to lions and bears. On the other hand, Custard was always crying for a “nice safe cage,” making everyone believe he was a coward. However, when the pirate attacked, the “brave” pets showed their true colors by running away in fear. It was Custard who showed real courage. He faced the pirate bravely and killed him. This proves that those who talk the most about their bravery are often the biggest cowards, while those who are quiet often possess the most strength.

Q2. How did the pets justify their cowardice after the pirate was killed?

Ans: After the danger was over, the pets’ vanity returned immediately. Mustard said he would have been twice as brave if he hadn’t been “flustered.” Ink and Blink claimed they would have been three times as brave. Instead of thanking Custard for saving their lives, they started making excuses to protect their egos. Surprisingly, Custard was so humble that he agreed with them, saying that everyone was braver than him. This adds a layer of satire to the poem, showing how people often find it hard to accept their weaknesses and try to cover them up with empty words.

Q3. Describe the pirate who vanished into the “dragon’s maw.”

Ans: The pirate was a classic villain. He had a wooden leg and held two pistols in his hands. He held a “cutlass bright” (a short sword) between his teeth. His beard was black, and it was clear that his “intentions were not good.” He fired two bullets at Custard, but they missed. He tried to save himself by drinking some “grog” (alcohol) from his pocket flagon, but he was no match for Custard. The poet uses vivid imagery to make the pirate look dangerous so that Custard’s victory seems even more heroic and impressive.

Q4. Discuss the use of humor and irony in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon.”

Ans: The humor in the poem comes from irony and exaggeration.

• Irony of Names: A fierce dragon is named “Custard” (which is soft and sweet), and a small dog is named “Mustard” (which is sharp and hot).

• Situational Irony: The “brave” pets hide under the furniture while the “coward” becomes the savior.

• Exaggeration: The poet uses funny similes like “mouth like a fireplace” and “nose like a chimney.”

• Poetic License: Ogden Nash uses made-up words like “realio, trulio” and “winda” (for window) to create a rhythmic, nursery-rhyme-like feel that contrasts with the “bloody” battle with the pirate.