Why Did Custard Cry for a Nice Safe Cage?

Education / By /

The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash is a delightful ballad that tells the story of a little pet dragon named Custard, who lives with Belinda and her other pets—Ink (a black kitten), Blink (a grey mouse), and Mustard (a yellow dog). While all the other pets boast about their bravery, Custard is mocked for being a coward, as he repeatedly cries for a nice safe cage.

But why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage despite being a dragon, a creature typically associated with strength, fire, and fearlessness? What does his desire for safety reveal about his character and the poem’s deeper themes? Let’s explore the reasons behind Custard’s longing for a safe place and understand the message that Ogden Nash conveys through this amusing yet insightful poem.

1. Custard’s Desire for Safety Over Danger

The primary reason Custard cried for a nice safe cage was his preference for safety over the dangers of the outside world.

  • A cage, although restrictive, symbolized security for Custard—a place where he would be protected from threats.
  • Unlike Ink, Blink, and Mustard, who boasted about their courage, Custard openly admitted that he feared danger and valued safety.
  • His plea for a cage reflected his realistic attitude—he acknowledged that the world could be dangerous and did not see the need to pretend to be brave.

This desire shows that Custard was practical, preferring protection to unnecessary risks, even if it meant being mocked by others.

2. Symbol of Humility and Self-Awareness

Custard’s longing for a cage also revealed his humility and self-awareness.

  • While the other pets exaggerated their bravery, Custard was honest about his fearful nature.
  • His repeated cry for a safe cage showed that he was not ashamed to admit his vulnerabilities, making him genuine and authentic.
  • Custard’s humility sets him apart, highlighting that acknowledging one’s fears requires courage of a different kind—the courage to be honest.

Thus, his cry for safety becomes a metaphor for being true to oneself, regardless of societal expectations.

3. Fear of Isolation and Rejection

Custard might have also feared isolation and rejection, which made the cage appealing.

  • Despite being a dragon, Custard was not treated as a hero by his companions. Instead, he was mocked and called a coward.
  • The safe cage could represent a place of comfort, away from the ridicule of others.
  • Feeling unaccepted, Custard may have believed that retreating into a cage would shield him from both physical dangers and emotional hurt.

This suggests that Custard’s cry was not just for physical safety but also for emotional security—a space free from judgment.

4. Irony of the Real Hero

An interesting twist in the poem reveals the true nature of bravery.

  • When a pirate attacks Belinda’s house, the supposedly brave pets (Ink, Blink, and Mustard) run away in fear.
  • Surprisingly, it is Custard, the “cowardly dragon”, who fights the pirate bravely and saves the day.
  • However, after the danger is over, Custard still cries for a nice safe cage, indicating his continued preference for safety despite his heroic actions.

This irony suggests that true bravery does not come from boasting but from action when it matters most. Custard’s desire for a cage shows that being cautious does not mean being cowardly—real courage is about facing fear when the time comes.

5. Commentary on Human Nature

Ogden Nash’s poem uses Custard’s character to make a wider comment on human nature.

  • Many people pretend to be fearless but crumble under pressure.
  • Others, like Custard, may seem timid but display great strength when it is truly needed.
  • Custard’s cry for a safe cage represents the universal human desire for security, comfort, and emotional protection.

The poem teaches that bravery is not always loud and that quiet strength often lies in those who seem least likely to possess it.

6. The Safe Cage as a Metaphor for Comfort Zones

Another interpretation of Custard’s wish for a safe cage is that it symbolizes the comfort zone.

  • People often fear stepping outside their comfort zones due to uncertainty and risks.
  • The cage, in this sense, represents a safe space where Custard could remain protected without having to face the unknown.
  • However, when faced with real danger (the pirate), Custard proves that he is capable of bravery, suggesting that stepping out of one’s comfort zone reveals hidden strengths.

This makes Custard’s character arc relatable, reminding readers that even the most cautious among us can be heroes when needed.

7. Lesson in True Courage

Finally, Custard’s repeated cry for a nice safe cage teaches an important lesson about the nature of courage.

  • Bravery is not about seeking danger or boasting about strength.
  • True courage lies in overcoming fear when the situation demands it, as Custard did when he fought the pirate.
  • His modesty, shown by his desire for safety even after being heroic, teaches that true heroes don’t brag.

This gives the poem a profound moral, wrapped in humor and light-hearted storytelling.

Conclusion

Custard cried for a nice safe cage because:

  • He valued safety and security over unnecessary risks.
  • He was humble and honest about his fears, unlike his boastful companions.
  • The cage symbolized a comfort zone, providing both physical safety and emotional protection from mockery.
  • His desire for a cage reflected the universal human need for security and acceptance.
  • Ultimately, Custard’s bravery, shown when it mattered most, taught that real courage is about facing danger when the situation calls for it, even if one prefers safety otherwise.

Through Custard’s character, Ogden Nash conveys a timeless message:

“True bravery is quiet and modest, not loud and boastful.”

Custard the Dragon remains an endearing figure, reminding us that it’s okay to be cautious, and that sometimes, the most unlikely heroes emerge when bravery truly counts.

Related Posts