Q1. [5]
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
Read the given extract and answer the questions.
- (i) What poetic device is used in the first sentence ? [1]
- (ii) What was ironical about Custard being referred to as Percival ? [2]
- (iii) Complete the following suitably : The word 'unmerciful' in the given context implies that Belinda is ________. [1]
- (iv) What image of Custard is created in the above lines ? [1]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2025 2/5/1 Q7(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:16 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The poetic device used is simile — "Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears" compares Belinda's bravery to a barrel of bears using "as."
(ii) Percival was a legendary knight known for his bravery and courage. It is ironical that Custard, who was cowardly and always cried for a safe cage, was called Percival — a name associated with heroism — as a mock or taunt, highlighting the sharp contrast between the name and his timid nature.
(iii) The word 'unmerciful' implies that Belinda is relentlessly mocking and making fun of Custard without any sympathy, teasing him without stopping.
(iv) Custard is portrayed as a cowardly and timid dragon who, despite being a fierce creature by nature, cries for the safety of a cage, creating an image of weakness and fearfulness.
Source: "The Tale of Custard the Dragon," Ogden Nash — First Flight, Chapter 10
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Explanation
- (i) Simile is the key device — identify "as…as" construction. Don't confuse with metaphor.
- (ii) Always explain who Percival was + the contrast with Custard's cowardice = full 2 marks.
- (iii) 'Unmerciful' means without mercy/without stopping — link it to Belinda's relentless teasing attitude.
- (iv) Focus on the single dominant image: cowardly/timid dragon. Keep it to one crisp line for 1 mark.
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