Poetry is full of literary devices that add rhythm, humour, and depth to the meaning. In “Custard the Dragon”, Ogden Nash skilfully uses several poetic techniques to make the poem engaging and entertaining. Let’s see some of the key literary elements used in the poem.
Also See …
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon-Explanation
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon-Notes & Summary
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon-NCERT Q&A
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon-PYQs
Key Literary Elements in the Poem “Custard the Dragon”
1. Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows a “aabb” rhyme scheme, meaning that every two consecutive lines rhyme. However, in stanza 13, the pattern shifts to “aabbcc” to add emphasis.
2. Ballad
The poem is written in the form of a ballad—a long narrative poem that is often set to music.
- Nash uses this format to tell the amusing story of Custard the Dragon and his unexpected bravery in defeating a pirate.
3. Simile
A simile is a comparison between two things using “like” or “as.” Nash uses similes to create humorous and vivid imagery:
- “Sharp as mustard”
- “Mouth like a fireplace”
- “As brave as a barrel full of bears”
- “Brave as a tiger in a cage”
- “Snorting like an engine”
- “Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon”
These comparisons bring the characters to life and add humour to the poem.
4. Metaphor
A metaphor is a direct comparison without using “like” or “as.” Examples from the poem include:
- “Chimney for a nose” (Custard’s nose is compared to a chimney)
- “Realio, trulio daggers on his toes” (His claws are compared to daggers)
5. Repetition
Repetition is used for emphasis and rhythm. Some repeated words and phrases in the poem include:
- “Little” (used multiple times in the first two stanzas)
- “Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound.”
- “Help! Help!”
- “Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right.”
- “Realio, trulio” (repeated to enhance playfulness)
6. Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is when words imitate sounds. Examples in the poem include:
- “Meowch!” (Sound of Ink the cat crying)
- “Weeck!” (Sound of Blink the mouse giggling)
- “Clatter, clank, jangling” (Sounds of metal clashing)
7. Poetic License
Poetic license allows poets to break grammar rules for creativity. Nash uses this in:
- “Realio, trulio, weeck” (Invented words to create humor)
- “Winda” instead of “window” to maintain the rhyme scheme
8. Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words. Examples include:
- “Belinda lived in a little white house.”
- “Custard cried for a nice safe cage.”
- “With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm.”
9. Allusion
An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, or event.
- The characters mock Custard by calling him “Percival.”
- Percival was a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, known for his cowardice.
- This comparison highlights how Custard is perceived as weak—but later proves otherwise.
10. Irony
Irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens.
- Custard, the so-called coward, turns out to be the bravest of all.
- The others, who always claim to be brave, run away in fear.
11. Personification
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
- “Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs.” (The kitten and mouse are given human-like courage and action.)
12. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement for effect.
- “Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.”
- This makes Belinda’s bravery sound larger than life, adding humour to the poem.
Conclusion
Ogden Nash masterfully uses various literary devices in “Custard the Dragon” to create humour, rhythm, and vivid imagery. These techniques make the poem engaging and memorable, ensuring it remains a favourite among readers of all ages.
