Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly dragon”?
(i) Custard cried for a nice safe cage because he was terrified and lacked courage. While Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard boasted of being brave, Custard always chose safety and wept for a cage.
(ii) The dragon is called the "cowardly dragon" because his timid nature sharply contrasted with his fearsome appearance. Even though Custard had big sharp teeth, spikes, scales, and daggers on his toes, he behaved like a coward by constantly crying for a safe cage.
Explanation
The question tests the student's understanding of character contrast and irony in the poem. Custard's physical description is terrifying, but his actions are timid. The contrast between his fierce appearance and his constant demand for a 'nice safe cage' is the core reason he is labeled a coward by the others.