The Tale of Custard the Dragon by OGDEN NASH - Theme - Summary - Q&A Solved - First Flight - Class 10 - NCERT

Table of Contents

• Summary of the Poem
• Themes of the Poem
• Literary Devices Used in the Poem
• Thinking About the Text
• Challenging MCQs to Test Comprehension

Summary of the Poem

The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous ballad that tells the story of Belinda and her brave pets. Belinda lives with a kitten named Ink, a mouse named Blink, a dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. Despite Custard's frightening appearance, with sharp teeth and spikes, he is a coward and often cries for a safe cage. One day, a pirate breaks into their home, and while the other pets flee in fear, Custard bravely fights the pirate and saves the day. Despite his heroism, Custard humbly continues to believe he is the most cowardly among them.

Themes of the Poem

• Courage and Cowardice: The poem contrasts the apparent bravery of Belinda’s other pets with Custard’s perceived cowardice. However, in a moment of crisis, it is Custard who shows true courage.
• Appearances vs. Reality: The poem highlights how appearances can be deceptive, as the seemingly brave characters run away while the 'cowardly' dragon proves to be the real hero.
• Humour and Irony: The poem uses humour and irony to convey its message, with Custard’s actions contradicting his usual behaviour.

Literary Devices Used in the Poem

• Simile: "Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon" compares the sound of Custard’s tail to clashing irons.
• Repetition: The phrase "realio, trulio" is repeated to emphasize the uniqueness of Custard.
• Alliteration: "Belinda giggled till she shook the house" uses the repetition of the 'g' sound for a rhythmic effect.
• Imagery: Descriptions like "Mouth like a fireplace" create vivid images in the reader’s mind.

Thinking About the Text

Q1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.

A. The characters in the poem are Belinda and her four pets: a kitten named Ink, a mouse named Blink, a dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard.

Q2. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called a “cowardly dragon”?

A. Custard cried for a nice safe cage because he was scared and wanted to feel protected. He is called a “cowardly dragon” because, despite his fierce appearance, he was afraid and did not show bravery like the other pets.

Q3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful...” Why?

A. Belinda tickled Custard unmercifully because she, along with the other pets, found it amusing to make fun of Custard’s timid and cowardly nature.

Q4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example: “Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon” — the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more such poetic devices used in the poem?

A. The poem uses several poetic devices. For example, “Mouth like a fireplace” is a simile comparing Custard’s mouth to a fireplace. Alliteration is used in the phrase “Belinda giggled,” where the 'g' sound is repeated. The repetition of “realio, trulio” emphasizes the uniqueness of Custard.

Q5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.

A. In stanza three, the poet describes Custard as having big sharp teeth, spikes on top of him, scales underneath, a mouth like a fireplace, and daggers on his toes.

Q6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?

A. The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme. For example, in the first stanza:

• "Belinda lived in a little white house" (A)
• "With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse" (A)
• "And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon" (B)
• "And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon" (B)

Q7. Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?

A. The poem uses vivid images such as Custard’s fierce appearance, the pirate’s entry with pistols, and the cowardly behavior of the other pets when they face danger.

Q8. Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer.

A. The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a light-hearted poem. Although it deals with themes of courage and cowardice, the playful language, humorous situations, and ironic twist make it entertaining and fun rather than serious.

Q9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.

A. Modern songs like "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels or "Stan" by Eminem tell stories in a similar way to ballads, where the lyrics narrate a sequence of events or a story.

Challenging MCQs to Test Comprehension of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon"

1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of Custard as described in the poem?
   a) Sharp teeth
   b) Spikes on top
   c) Scaly skin
   d) Fire-breathing

2. Why does the poet describe Custard's mouth as "like a fireplace"?
   a) To show that Custard breathes fire
   b) To emphasize Custard's warm and gentle nature
   c) To highlight Custard's fierce appearance
   d) To indicate that Custard is always eating

3. What is the significance of the repetition of "realio, trulio" in the poem?
   a) It adds humor to the poem
   b) It creates a serious tone
   c) It emphasizes Custard’s bravery
   d) It makes the poem more rhythmic

4. How do Ink, Blink, and Mustard react when the pirate enters Belinda's house?
   a) They bravely confront the pirate
   b) They hide in fear
   c) They run away
   d) They try to protect Belinda

5. What does the pirate symbolize in the context of the poem?
   a) A real danger that tests the bravery of the characters
   b) An imaginary threat created by Custard
   c) The internal fears of the pets
   d) A symbol of Custard’s cowardice

6. Why does Custard, despite being a dragon, desire a safe cage?
   a) He wants to protect himself from the other pets
   b) He is afraid of the outside world
   c) He is inherently a coward
   d) He wants to sleep peacefully

7. What is the rhyme scheme of the stanza: "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"?
   a) ABAB
   b) AABB
   c) ABBA
   d) AAAB

8. How does the poet create irony in the poem?
   a) By making the bravest characters act cowardly
   b) By giving Custard a fierce appearance but a timid nature
   c) By showing that Custard, the supposed coward, is the real hero
   d) All of the above

9. What message does the poem convey about appearances and reality?
   a) Appearances are always deceptive
   b) Reality is often different from how it appears
   c) Brave appearances always reflect inner strength
   d) Outer beauty is more important than inner qualities

10. Which literary device is used in the line “Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon”?
    a) Metaphor
    b) Simile
    c) Alliteration
    d) Personification

11. Which word best describes the tone of the poem?
    a) Serious
    b) Tragic
    c) Humorous
    d) Inspirational

12. What does Belinda’s treatment of Custard throughout the poem suggest about her character?
    a) She is caring and understanding
    b) She is quick to judge and dismissive
    c) She is affectionate but mocking
    d) She is fearful and insecure

13. How does the poem challenge traditional notions of heroism?
    a) By making the smallest characters the bravest
    b) By portraying a dragon as cowardly
    c) By showing that true bravery is revealed in moments of crisis
    d) By glorifying cowardice as a virtue

14. What do the names of the pets (Ink, Blink, Mustard, Custard) suggest about the poem’s tone?
    a) The names add to the poem's light-hearted and whimsical tone
    b) The names create a serious and somber atmosphere
    c) The names are irrelevant to the tone
    d) The names create tension and suspense

15. Which aspect of Custard’s character is highlighted when he fights the pirate?
    a) His cowardice
    b) His hidden bravery
    c) His intelligence
    d) His strength

16. Why does the poem end with Custard still being called a coward, even after he defeated the pirate?
    a) To show that the other characters did not change their opinion
    b) To emphasize Custard’s humility
    c) To maintain the humorous tone of the poem
    d) All of the above

17. What literary device is used in the phrase “Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage”?
    a) Metaphor
    b) Simile
    c) Hyperbole
    d) Irony

18. In what way does the poem use exaggeration for comedic effect?
    a) By describing Custard’s appearance in an overly dramatic way
    b) By making the other pets appear braver than they are
    c) By showing Custard as both a coward and a hero
    d) All of the above

19. Which line from the poem best captures the theme of hidden potential?
    a) “Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth”
    b) “He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”
    c) “But Custard cried for a nice safe cage”
    d) “Belinda giggled till she shook the house”

20. What makes “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” a ballad?
    a) It has a strong rhyme scheme and rhythm
    b) It tells a simple, narrative story with characters
    c) It uses repetition and humor
    d) All of the above

Answer Key:

1. d) Fire-breathing
2. c) To highlight Custard's fierce appearance
3. a) It adds humor to the poem
4. c) They run away
5. a) A real danger that tests the bravery of the characters
6. b) He is afraid of the outside world
7. b) AABB
8. d) All of the above
9. b) Reality is often different from how it appears
10. b) Simile
11. c) Humorous
12. c) She is affectionate but mocking
13. c) By showing that true bravery is revealed in moments of crisis
14. a) The names add to the poem's light-hearted and whimsical tone
15. b) His hidden bravery
16. d) All of the above
17. b) Simile
18. d) All of the above
19. b) “He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”
20. d) All of the above

 

Madam Rides the Bus by VALLIKKANNAN - Summary - Q&A Solution - NCERT - Class X - First Flight

Table of Contents

1. Summary: Madam Rides the Bus
2. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 97)
3. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 100)
4. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 103)
5. Thinking About the Text
6. MCQs on Madam Rides the Bus

Summary: Madam Rides the Bus

The story "Madam Rides the Bus" is about an eight-year-old girl named Valliammai, who is curious and adventurous. She lives in a small village and is fascinated by the bus that passes through her village every day. Valliammai dreams of taking a ride on the bus and saving money for it.

One day, Valliammai secretly boards the bus and enjoys the journey. She observes everything around her with excitement—the people, the scenery, and the experience of being in a bus. However, during the ride, she also witnesses the harsh realities of life, which make her understand the complexities of the world.

The story highlights the innocence of childhood, the joy of small adventures, and the gradual understanding of life's realities. Valliammai's experience on the bus teaches her valuable lessons, making it a memorable journey in her life.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 97)

1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
   Valli’s favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching what was happening in the street outside.

2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
   The bus that passed through her village was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to take a ride on that bus.

3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
   Valli found out that the bus journey from her village to the nearest town took about 45 minutes one way, and the fare was thirty paise. She found out these details by listening carefully to conversations between those who regularly took the bus.

4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
   Valli was planning to take a ride on the bus all by herself without letting anyone know.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 100)

1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
   The conductor calls Valli "madam" playfully because she behaves in a very mature and serious manner, like an adult, even though she is just a little girl.

2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
   Valli stands up on the seat to get a better view of the scenery outside the bus. She sees fields, palm trees, distant mountains, and the blue sky.

3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
   Valli tells the elderly man that there is nobody in the bus who is a child, implying that she is mature and grown-up.

4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
   Valli didn’t want to make friends with the elderly woman because she found her uninteresting and unattractive, especially because the woman had big holes in her earlobes and was chewing betel nut.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 103)

1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
   Valli saved up money by resisting the temptation to buy things like toys, balloons, and peppermints, and by not going on the merry-go-round at the village fair. It was not easy for her because she had to make many small sacrifices.

2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
   Valli saw a young cow running very fast right in the middle of the road in front of the bus, which made her laugh.

3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
   Valli didn’t get off the bus at the bus station because she was afraid of losing her way and she didn’t have money to take another bus back home.

4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
   Valli didn’t want to go to the stall and have a drink because she didn’t want to waste her money. This tells us that she was careful and determined in saving her money.

Thinking About the Text

1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
   Valli’s deepest desire was to take a ride on the bus. The phrases that tell us this include "overwhelming desire," "intense desire," and "strongest desire."

2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
   Valli planned her bus ride by carefully gathering information about the bus’s timing and fare by listening to the passengers and asking discreet questions. She found out that the fare was thirty paise one way, and she saved up the money by cutting down on her expenses.

3. What kind of a person is Valli?
   (i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised commandingly.
   (ii) “Yes, I simply have to go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
   (iii) “There’s nobody here who is a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
   (iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me. I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said, stamping her foot.
   (v) “You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
   (vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope it will be the same time tomorrow.”

4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
   The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam’ because she behaves in a grown-up and self-assured manner, like a mature lady.

5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
   Lines that show Valli enjoying her ride include: "Oh, it was all so wonderful!" and "Valli devoured everything with her eyes."

6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
   Valli refuses to look out of the window on her way back because she is deeply saddened by the sight of a cow lying dead on the road, which she had seen alive and happy earlier.

7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”
   Valli means that she now understands that life is unpredictable, and unexpected things can happen without our control or knowledge.

8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement?
   The description of the cow running in the middle of the road and Valli’s reaction to it ("utterly childish way of making the noise of a running engine") shows that the author is presenting the story from an eight-year-old’s point of view.
   
   

MCQs on Madam Rides the Bus

20 challenging multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test comprehension of the story "Madam Rides the Bus":

1. What was the main reason Valli was fascinated by the bus?

   - A) The bus was brightly coloured.

   - B) It symbolized adventure and freedom.

   - C) It carried important people.

   - D) It made a lot of noise.

2. How did Valli initially gather information about the bus journey?

   - A) By asking her mother.

   - B) By secretly listening to the bus driver.

   - C) By eavesdropping on conversations.

   - D) By following the bus on foot.

3. What was the cost of a one-way ticket on the bus?

   - A) Twenty paise

   - B) Thirty paise

   - C) Fifty paise

   - D) One rupee

4. How long did it take for the bus to reach the town from Valli’s village?

   - A) 30 minutes

   - B) 45 minutes

   - C) 1 hour

   - D) 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Which of the following best describes Valli's personality?

   - A) Timid and shy

   - B) Curious and determined

   - C) Disobedient and rebellious

   - D) Carefree and irresponsible

6. What did Valli do to save money for her bus ride?

   - A) She asked her parents for extra pocket money.

   - B) She started selling flowers.

   - C) She avoided buying toys and treats.

   - D) She took on small jobs around the village.

7. What did Valli find the most enjoyable during her bus ride?

   - A) The view of the mountains

   - B) The lively conversation with the conductor

   - C) Watching the scenery outside

   - D) The comfort of the bus seat

8. Why did Valli refuse the offer of a cold drink at the town?

   - A) She didn’t like cold drinks.

   - B) She was too shy to accept the offer.

   - C) She didn’t want to spend her money.

   - D) She was in a hurry to return home.

9. Which event during the bus ride made Valli laugh out loud?

   - A) The bus nearly hitting a tree.

   - B) The conductor’s joke.

   - C) A cow running in front of the bus.

   - D) A child crying for a toy.

10. How did Valli feel when she saw the dead cow on the road?

    - A) Indifferent

    - B) Horrified and saddened

    - C) Angry

    - D) Curious

11. Why didn’t Valli tell anyone about her bus ride plan?

    - A) She was afraid they would not allow her.

    - B) She wanted to surprise her family.

    - C) She thought they wouldn’t be interested.

    - D) She was unsure if she could carry out her plan.

12. What does the term ‘madam’ used by the conductor signify in Valli’s case?

    - A) Respect for her age.

    - B) Sarcasm for her serious demeanour.

    - C) A mistake about her identity.

    - D) Genuine politeness.

13. What was Valli’s reaction when the elderly woman tried to talk to her on the bus?

    - A) She politely ignored her.

    - B) She eagerly engaged in conversation.

    - C) She found her uninteresting and unattractive.

    - D) She asked the woman to be quiet.

14. What lesson does Valli learn from her bus journey?

    - A) Life is full of surprises and not always as joyful as it seems.

    - B) Money can’t buy happiness.

    - C) It’s better to stay home than to travel.

    - D) Adults always know what’s best.

15. What did Valli see as a major downside of her bus journey?

    - A) The crowded bus.

    - B) The uncomfortable seats.

    - C) The sight of the dead cow.

    - D) The high fare of the bus ride.

16. What does the sight of the dead cow represent in the story?

    - A) The cruelty of nature.

    - B) The harsh realities of life.

    - C) The dangers of traveling.

    - D) The consequences of carelessness.

17. How did Valli manage to return home safely?

    - A) She had her return ticket ready.

    - B) She asked the conductor for help.

    - C) She trusted a stranger to guide her.

    - D) She relied on her memory of the journey.

18. What was Valli’s mood when she returned home?

    - A) Excited and happy

    - B) Disappointed and sad

    - C) Reflective and mature

    - D) Angry and frustrated

19. What does Valli’s character teach us about childhood?

    - A) Childhood is carefree and irresponsible.

    - B) Children are incapable of making plans.

    - C) Childhood is full of curiosity and discovery.

    - D) Children are always obedient and dependent on adults.

20. Which theme is most prominent in "Madam Rides the Bus"?

    - A) The importance of education.

    - B) The innocence and curiosity of childhood.

    - C) The value of money.

    - D) The dangers of travelling alone.

Answer Key

1. B  

2. C  

3. B  

4. B  

5. B  

6. C  

7. C  

8. C  

9. C  

10. B  

11. A  

12. B  

13. C  

14. A  

15. C  

16. B  

17. A  

18. C  

19. C  

20. B