What is the primary rhyme scheme followed in the stanzas of 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?
Answer
aabb
The correct answer is aabb — Conclude that the dominant rhyme scheme used by Ogden Nash in this ballad is aabb.
Step-by-step solution
- Examine the end rhymes of a typical stanza from the poem, such as: 'house' / 'mouse' and 'wagon' / 'dragon'.
- Note that the first line rhymes with the second line (a, a), and the third line rhymes with the fourth line (b, b).
- Conclude that the dominant rhyme scheme used by Ogden Nash in this ballad is aabb.
Common mistake: Assuming an alternate rhyme scheme like abab without analyzing the end words of the stanza.
Concept tested: Rhyme scheme identification
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' presents a humorous contrast between boasting and actual bravery. Elaborate on this theme with reference to the characters in the poem.
- 2 What was the name of Belinda's pet dragon in Ogden Nash's poem 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'?
- 3 In Ogden Nash's poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon", which pet declares “I can roar like a lion” when the pirate appears?
- 4 In Ogden Nash's poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon", which pet claims to be the bravest?
- 5 Which stanza best illustrates the reversal of expectations about bravery, and what literary technique is employed?
- 6 Define the word ‘brag’ as used in the poem and give the exact line where a pet uses it.