Introduction: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
“The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash first appeared in 1936 as part of his collection The Bad Parents’ Garden of Verse. This charming poem narrates the adventures of Custard, a cowardly dragon who surprisingly displays unmatched bravery when faced with danger, contrasting with his boastful companions—Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard. The poem’s main ideas revolve around themes of courage, humility, and the hidden strength within even the most timid individuals. Memorable phrases such as “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” and “Custard cried for a nice safe cage” highlight the juxtaposition of Custard’s timid nature with his heroic actions when confronting a pirate. Nash’s whimsical rhyming style and vivid imagery, like “realio, trulio, daggers on his toes,” contribute to its enduring appeal as a textbook poem. Its humor, moral undertones, and playful language make it a delightful choice for young readers and educators alike.
Text: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little gray mouse, she called her Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio, daggers on his toes.
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,
Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,
They all sat laughing in the little red wagon
At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.
Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
And Blink said Week!, which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
Meowch! cried Ink, and Ooh! cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.
Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,
And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,
His beard was black, one leg was wood;
It was clear that the pirate meant no good.
Belinda paled, and she cried, Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink was strategically mouseholed.
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,
He fired two bullets but they didn’t hit,
And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,
No one mourned for his pirate victim
Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate
Around the dragon that ate the pyrate.
Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her little gray mouse,
And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
And her realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,
Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.
Annotations: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
| Stanza | Annotation |
| 1. Belinda lived in a little white house… realio, trulio, little pet dragon. | Introduces the characters and setting. Belinda lives in a cozy white house with her pets: Ink (kitten), Blink (mouse), Mustard (dog), and Custard (dragon). Nash uses whimsical, rhyming phrases like “realio, trulio” to create a playful tone, setting the stage for a humorous and fantastical story. |
| 2. Now the name of the little black kitten… and she called him Custard. | Describes the pets’ traits and names. Mustard is “sharp,” but Custard is timid and cowardly. The contrast between Custard’s appearance (a fierce dragon) and his behavior (a coward) creates a humorous tension and sets up the moral of the story about inner strength. |
| 3. Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth… daggers on his toes. | Detailed description of Custard’s physical attributes, which are fierce and dragon-like, emphasizing the irony of his cowardly nature. Nash uses vivid imagery, like “mouth like a fireplace” and “daggers on his toes,” to highlight Custard’s intimidating appearance. |
| 4. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears… Custard cried for a nice safe cage. | Highlights the bravery of Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard, contrasting it with Custard’s constant desire for safety. The humorous simile “as brave as a barrel full of bears” adds to the playful tone while showing how Custard’s fearfulness makes him an object of ridicule among his companions. |
| 5. Belinda tickled him… cowardly dragon. | Depicts how Custard is mocked by his companions for his fearfulness. They call him “Percival” (a knightly name), sarcastically contrasting his cowardice with knightly bravery. This stanza emphasizes the group dynamic and Custard’s outsider status, even among his friends. |
| 6. Belinda giggled till she shook the house… a nice safe cage. | Further shows how Custard is humiliated by his friends for his timid nature. The repetitive line “Custard cried for a nice safe cage” reinforces his perceived cowardice and builds up tension for the twist where Custard’s true character will be revealed. |
| 7. Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound… climbing in the winda. | The narrative shifts with the sudden arrival of a pirate, a moment of real danger. The pirate is described vividly, with a black beard, wooden leg, and weapons, symbolizing a classic villain. The rhyme and pacing quicken, adding a sense of urgency to the unfolding event. |
| 8. Pistol in his left hand… meant no good. | Highlights the pirate’s menacing nature and intention to cause harm. The detailed imagery, such as the pistols and bright cutlass, enhances the dramatic tension. This stanza sets up the characters’ reactions to the threat, foreshadowing Custard’s unexpected bravery. |
| 9. Belinda paled… strategically mouseholed. | Shows how the “brave” characters fail to live up to their reputations in the face of real danger. Belinda, Mustard, Ink, and Blink all flee or hide. This reversal of roles highlights the central theme: outward bravery can crumble under pressure, while true courage is revealed in moments of crisis. |
| 10. But up jumped Custard… robin at a worm. | Custard leaps into action, demonstrating his hidden bravery. The simile “like a robin at a worm” humorously underscores his sudden aggressiveness. This stanza contrasts with earlier ones, as Custard, the supposed coward, becomes the hero. |
| 11. The pirate gaped… Custard gobbled him, every bit. | Custard defeats the pirate by eating him entirely, showcasing his strength and bravery. The use of onomatopoeia (“clatter,” “clank”) and vivid verbs (“gobbled”) emphasizes the action-packed climax. The stanza resolves the immediate danger and marks Custard’s transformation into an unlikely hero. |
| 12. Belinda embraced him… dragon that ate the pyrate. | The companions celebrate Custard’s heroism, though their gratitude seems shallow. They quickly return to their playful demeanor, dancing around the dragon, suggesting that Custard’s bravery is momentarily acknowledged but not fully respected. |
| 13. Belinda still lives in her little white house… crying for a nice safe cage. | The poem returns to its original structure and tone, with the companions resuming their exaggerated bravery and Custard reverting to his desire for safety. This cyclical ending reinforces the humorous and satirical elements, showing how little has truly changed despite Custard’s heroism. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound” | Repetition of the consonant sound “s” at the beginning of closely placed words emphasizes the suddenness and creates rhythm. |
| Anaphora | “And a little black kitten and a little gray mouse…” | Repetition of “and a little” at the beginning of successive clauses emphasizes the small and cozy nature of Belinda’s household. |
| Assonance | “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” | Repetition of vowel sounds (“a” in brave, barrel, bears) creates a musical quality and adds to the playful tone. |
| Cyclical Structure | The poem begins and ends with the same description of the household. | The story comes full circle, reflecting that despite Custard’s heroism, nothing significant changes, reinforcing the humor and lighthearted tone. |
| Dramatic Irony | Custard, the supposed coward, is the bravest of all. | The audience knows that Custard will prove his worth, while the characters treat him as a coward, creating an ironic twist. |
| Enjambment | “With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm / He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” | Lines flow into the next without punctuation, maintaining the fast pace and excitement of the action scene. |
| Exaggeration | “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.” | Hyperbolic language emphasizes Belinda’s bravery in a humorous and exaggerated way. |
| Humor | “And Mustard fled with a terrified yelp.” | Light-hearted tone is achieved through funny and exaggerated actions of the characters, even in serious moments. |
| Imagery | “Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose” | Creates vivid mental pictures of Custard’s fierce appearance. |
| Irony | Custard, who cries for a safe cage, defeats the pirate. | The contrast between Custard’s perceived cowardice and his brave actions underscores situational irony. |
| Metaphor | “Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon” | Custard’s actions are compared to clanging iron chains, highlighting his ferocity in a vivid, indirect way. |
| Onomatopoeia | “Clatter,” “clank,” “jangling squirm” | Words mimic sounds, making the action scene more dynamic and immersive. |
| Personification | “Blink said Week!, which is giggling for a mouse” | The mouse is given human-like qualities (giggling and speaking), contributing to the whimsical tone. |
| Repetition | “Suddenly, suddenly” | Repeated word emphasizes urgency and builds suspense during the pirate’s arrival. |
| Rhyme | “The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon / And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon.” | The consistent rhyming couplets create a sing-song rhythm, maintaining the playful and engaging narrative style. |
| Satire | The companions’ cowardice in contrast to their claimed bravery. | Nash humorously critiques boastfulness and superficial bravery through exaggerated character traits. |
| Simile | “He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” | A direct comparison using “like” enhances Custard’s sudden ferocity in an unexpected, vivid way. |
| Symbolism | Custard symbolizes hidden inner strength. | The dragon’s fierce appearance contrasts with his cowardly behavior, symbolizing the often-overlooked potential for heroism in unlikely individuals. |
| Tone | Playful and light-hearted. | The tone is established through whimsical language, exaggeration, and a humorous perspective on bravery and cowardice. |
| Whimsy | “Realio, trulio, little pet dragon.” | The playful use of nonsensical words and rhymes gives the poem a whimsical, childlike charm. |
Themes: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
1. Courage and True Heroism: The poem explores the theme of courage by contrasting outward appearances with true heroism. Custard, the dragon, is perceived as cowardly because he cries for a “nice safe cage,” while Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard are described as fearless—Belinda is “as brave as a barrel full of bears,” and the others claim to chase lions and act fiercely. However, when a real threat arises in the form of a pirate, it is Custard who rises to the occasion. His bravery is demonstrated in his fierce response: “Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon” and “went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” The poem highlights that true courage is not about boasting but about taking action when it truly matters.
2. Appearances vs. Reality: Nash masterfully portrays the theme of appearances versus reality by showing how Custard, who looks fierce with “daggers on his toes” and a “mouth like a fireplace,” is mocked as a coward. In contrast, the other characters appear brave but prove to be ineffectual when faced with danger. The irony is revealed when Custard confronts the pirate while the supposedly courageous companions flee—Belinda cries for help, Mustard yelps in fear, Ink hides, and Blink “was strategically mouseholed.” This theme emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving and challenges assumptions about bravery and strength.
3. Mockery and Social Dynamics: A recurring theme in the poem is the social dynamic of mockery and ridicule. Custard is constantly belittled by his companions, who call him “cowardly” and nickname him “Percival” sarcastically, mocking his timid behavior. The poem also shows how these dynamics shift after Custard’s heroic act, as the companions celebrate him momentarily, yet the cyclical structure of the poem implies that their mockery will continue. This theme reflects how social groups often ostracize those who do not conform, even when those individuals possess hidden strengths.
4. Humor and Whimsy
The entire poem is imbued with humor and whimsy, making it engaging and memorable. Nash’s use of playful language, such as “realio, trulio,” and humorous exaggerations, like “Belinda giggled till she shook the house,” create a lighthearted tone even in moments of danger. The pirate’s dramatic description—”Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, and he held in his teeth a cutlass bright”—adds to the comic absurdity. The humor not only entertains but also delivers the deeper messages of the poem in an approachable and relatable way for readers, especially children.
Literary Theories and “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
| Literary Theory | Explanation | Application to the Poem | References from the Poem |
| Formalism | Focuses on the structure, language, and literary devices within the text itself without external context. | The poem’s rhyming couplets, alliteration, and playful use of language (“realio, trulio”) highlight its whimsical tone and structural artistry. | “Belinda lived in a little white house, / With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse” – showcasing rhyme and imagery. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Explores the psychological motivations and unconscious desires of characters and authors. | Custard’s cowardice juxtaposed with his heroic actions can be analyzed as representing suppressed courage and subconscious fear transforming into action. | “Custard cried for a nice safe cage” and “But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine” reflect his psychological journey. |
| Postmodernism | Emphasizes playfulness, skepticism of grand narratives, and the mixing of high and low culture in literature. | The poem’s humorous and ironic treatment of heroism, with Custard being mocked yet ultimately proving heroic, challenges traditional heroic narratives. | The irony in “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears… But Custard cried for a nice safe cage” subverts traditional norms of bravery. |
| Feminism | Examines gender roles, stereotypes, and representation of women in literature. | Belinda is portrayed as a brave, central figure in her household, challenging traditional gender norms of passivity or dependency on male heroes. | “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” depicts her courage, yet her cry for “Help! Help!” reveals vulnerability. |
Critical Questions about “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
1. How does the poem redefine traditional notions of bravery?
Ogden Nash’s “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” challenges traditional ideas of bravery by juxtaposing outward appearances and actual behavior. Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard are described as courageous: “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears” and “Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs.” However, when danger arrives in the form of a pirate, these characters flee—Belinda cries for help, Mustard yelps in fear, Ink hides, and Blink strategically retreats to a mouse hole. Custard, who is mocked as a coward and cries for a “nice safe cage,” reveals true courage by defeating the pirate single-handedly: “With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm / He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” This contrast suggests that bravery is not about outward bravado but the ability to act decisively in moments of crisis.
2. What role does humor play in conveying the poem’s message?
Humor is a central device in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon,” making its moral lessons accessible and entertaining, especially for young readers. Nash employs playful rhymes, exaggerated imagery, and whimsical language, such as “realio, trulio,” to set a light-hearted tone. Even in moments of tension, humor persists, as in the pirate’s exaggerated description: “Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, / And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright.” The companions’ cowardly reactions—Belinda’s cry for help, Mustard’s yelp, and Blink’s strategic retreat—are comically portrayed. This use of humor not only entertains but also subtly critiques societal tendencies to misjudge others based on appearances or stereotypes, as seen in Custard’s unexpected heroism.
3. How does the poem explore the dynamics of social inclusion and exclusion?
The poem reflects social dynamics where individuals are excluded or mocked for being different. Custard is ridiculed for his perceived cowardice, with the other characters laughing at him and calling him “Percival,” a sarcastic reference to knightly bravery. Despite his fierce appearance—”big sharp teeth” and “daggers on his toes”—Custard’s timid behavior makes him an outsider. However, his bravery in confronting the pirate earns him temporary praise: “Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, / No one mourned for his pirate victim.” The cyclical structure of the poem, returning to the companions’ mockery of Custard, reflects the difficulty of altering group perceptions. This theme highlights how individuals often remain undervalued despite proving their worth.
4. What does the cyclical structure of the poem suggest about human behavior?
The cyclical structure of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”—beginning and ending with the companions’ mockery of Custard—suggests the resistance of social groups to change their perceptions. Despite Custard’s heroism in saving them from the pirate, the characters resume their usual behavior: “Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears… But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.” This repetition emphasizes the persistence of superficial judgments and the difficulty of overcoming established stereotypes. It also humorously critiques human tendencies to undervalue others based on preconceived notions, even when those individuals have demonstrated extraordinary qualities.
Literary Works Similar to “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
- “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll
Similarity: Both poems use whimsical language and fantastical creatures to create an engaging narrative with underlying themes of bravery and adventure. - “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning
Similarity: Like Nash’s poem, it is a narrative poem that blends a playful tone with a moral lesson, featuring vivid imagery and rhythmic storytelling. - “The Walrus and the Carpenter” by Lewis Carroll
Similarity: This poem shares a humorous and satirical tone, presenting characters in a quirky, almost absurd scenario with a deeper critique of human behavior. - “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt
Similarity: Both poems use anthropomorphic characters and a light, rhyming structure to deliver a moral or cautionary tale in a memorable and entertaining manner. - “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear
Similarity: Like Nash’s work, this poem uses playful rhymes, fantastical elements, and an overall whimsical tone to captivate readers of all ages.
Representative Quotations of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Belinda lived in a little white house, / With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse.” | Introduces the whimsical setting and characters in a rhythmic and light-hearted tone, creating a cozy and fantastical world for readers. | Formalism: Focuses on the structure, rhyme, and imagery used to establish the playful tone. |
| “And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.” | Highlights the playful and nonsensical language that characterizes the poem, creating humor and childlike charm. | Postmodernism: Challenges traditional literary norms by embracing whimsical, imaginative language. |
| “But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.” | Establishes Custard’s characterization as timid, contrasting his fearfulness with his fierce physical appearance, setting up the central irony. | Irony and Satire: Critiques societal stereotypes of bravery and strength through humorous juxtaposition. |
| “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.” | Portrays Belinda’s supposed bravery through hyperbolic language, which is later undercut by her reaction to the pirate. | Satirical Critique: Exposes exaggerated notions of bravery with humor and irony. |
| “Custard cried for a nice safe cage.” | Depicts Custard’s constant desire for safety, emphasizing his timid nature and contrasting him with the other boastful characters. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: Suggests deeper emotional layers, exploring Custard’s fear and need for security. |
| “Meowch! cried Ink, and Ooh! cried Belinda.” | Highlights the panic and fear of the supposedly brave characters when the pirate arrives, adding humor and irony to the narrative. | Dramatic Irony: Contrasts characters’ earlier confidence with their inability to face real danger. |
| “With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm / He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” | Depicts Custard’s sudden bravery in confronting the pirate, subverting expectations and resolving the narrative tension. | Structuralism: Examines how the narrative twist reinforces themes of hidden strength and heroism. |
| “Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, / No one mourned for his pirate victim.” | Reflects the group’s momentary celebration of Custard’s bravery, contrasting with their earlier mockery. | Social Criticism: Highlights fleeting acknowledgment of heroism in societal dynamics. |
| “Belinda still lives in her little white house… But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.” | The cyclical ending shows how little has changed despite Custard’s heroism, reinforcing the poem’s satirical tone. | Postmodernism: Suggests resistance to change in social norms and perceptions, even after transformative events. |
| “Realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.” | Reiterates Custard’s supposed cowardice in a playful tone, contrasting it with his eventual heroism. | Formalism: Highlights Nash’s inventive language, adding humor and rhythm to the poem. |
Suggested Readings: “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
- Stein, Ruth M. “The Changing Styles in Dragons—from Fáfnir to Smaug.” Elementary English, vol. 45, no. 2, 1968, pp. 179–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41386292. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
- Hanlon, Tina L. “The Taming of the Dragon in Twentieth Century Picture Books.” Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, vol. 14, no. 1 (53), 2003, pp. 7–26. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43321452. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
- Miller, Winifred. “Dragons—Fact or Fantasy?” Elementary English, vol. 52, no. 4, 1975, pp. 582–85. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41592679. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
- Hartley, Ruth Norene. “Poetry for Boys in the Primary Grades.” Elementary English, vol. 49, no. 8, 1972, pp. 1153–57. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41387889. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
- Nash, Ogden, and John McDonough. The tale of Custard the dragon. Little, Brown, 1995.