The Tale of Custard the Dragon

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

• A girl named Belinda, 

• A little black kitten named Ink, 

• A little grey mouse named Blink, 

• A dog named Mustard (Yellow), and 

• A coward dragon named Custard. 

Describe the appearance of the dragon. 

   The dragon had big sharp teeth and its skin pointed towards the top like spikes. At the lower part, it had scales meant to protect the skin. His mouth resembled a fireplace as if it releases fire from the mouth. His nose is compared to a chimney to blow out the smoke and his toes look like a sharp knife as if it has been fitted by a dagger. 

Bravery is spontaneous. Explain the statement with reference to the poem. 

   Bravery is not a quality to be claimed like the other pet animals in the poem but needs to be spontaneous, arising in times of distress, Custard initially commanded no respect from Belinda on account of his cowardice, but when the armed pilot attacked the house, approaching Belinda with a pistol, all others panicked for shelter, and it was the dragon who savagely attacked the pirate and gobbled him and saved Belinda. 

Metaphor: Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, etc...

Repetition: With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse, etc...