Class 10 : English – Lesson 6. Mijbil the Otter
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
💠 Explanation
🌟 Introduction to the Lesson
Mijbil the Otter is an autobiographical story by Gavin Maxwell, included in Class 10 NCERT First Flight. It recounts the author’s experience of adopting an otter named Mijbil (Mij) in Iraq and bringing him to London. The story is both humorous and affectionate, showing the bond between humans and animals.
📚 About the Author
Gavin Maxwell (1914–1969) was a Scottish naturalist and writer best known for his book Ring of Bright Water, where he described his life with otters in the Scottish Highlands. His works combine adventure with love for wildlife.
💡 Setting / Context
The story begins in Basra (Iraq), where the author adopts Mijbil, and later shifts to London, where he raises the otter. It reflects the challenges of keeping a wild animal as a pet and the joy of building a unique companionship.
🎭 Key Sections / Episodes
Decision to Keep an Otter: After losing his dog, Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet instead.
Arrival of Mijbil: A friend in Basra gifts him an otter, which he names Mijbil.
First Impressions: At first shy and aloof, Mijbil soon becomes playful and affectionate.
Mijbil’s Antics: He creates mischief in the bathroom, turning it into his “playroom,” and learns to enjoy water.
Journey to London: Maxwell struggles to carry Mij on a plane but manages by placing him in a box.
Mijbil’s Popularity: In London, Mijbil attracts attention for his charm and playful nature, becoming the author’s beloved companion.
🖋️ Tone, Style, and Devices
The tone is humorous, affectionate, and descriptive. Maxwell uses anecdotes (Mijbil’s mischief), personification (giving human-like qualities to Mijbil), and vivid imagery (play in the bathtub) to engage readers.
🕊️ Themes and Takeaways
Bond Between Humans and Animals: Love and patience can create deep companionship.
Joy of Nature and Wildlife: Animals bring playfulness and wonder to life.
Adaptability: Both humans and animals can adjust to new environments with care.
Affection Overcomes Barriers: Kindness bridges the gap between wild creatures and humans.
💠 Summary
Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell is a delightful account of the author’s friendship with his pet otter. After his dog’s death, Maxwell decides to keep an otter. In Basra, a friend presents him with Mijbil, an otter that is shy at first but soon reveals a lively, playful personality. Mijbil loves water, turning the author’s bathroom into his playground, and amuses him with endless mischief. When Maxwell takes Mijbil to London, he faces difficulties during the journey but succeeds. In London, Mijbil quickly becomes a source of joy and curiosity, winning hearts with his playful antics. The story celebrates love for animals and the joy they bring into human lives.
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PASSAGE
PASSAGE
“At first Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly. He was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor far from my bed. But soon he began to follow me around the house. He became playful, curling up in my lap and responding to affection. What had started as strangeness soon grew into trust and companionship.”
💠 (Short Answer – 30 words)
How did Mijbil behave in the beginning?
Answer: At first, Mijbil was aloof and indifferent, keeping to himself and sleeping far from the author, showing neither hostility nor friendliness.
💠 (Multiple Choice)
What did Mijbil start doing after overcoming aloofness?
A. Sleeping all the time
B. Following the author around
C. Refusing food
D. Fighting with strangers
Answer: B. Following the author around
💠 (Fill in the blank)
At first, Mijbil chose to sleep on the __ far from the author’s bed.
Answer: floor
💠 (Fill in the blank)
Mijbil later curled up in the author’s __.
Answer: lap
💠 (Assertion and Reason)
Assertion (A): Mijbil always trusted the author from the very beginning.
Reason (R): He was playful and affectionate the moment he arrived.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is false, but R is true.
D. Both A and R are false.
Answer: C. A is false, but R is true.
💠 (Short Answer – 30 words)
What transformation is shown in Mijbil’s behaviour?
Answer: Mijbil changed from being distant and indifferent to becoming affectionate and playful, developing a trusting bond with the author and enjoying companionship.
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OTHER QUESTIONS: –
🔴 Q1. Who is the author of Mijbil the Otter?
🔵 Answer: Gavin Maxwell.
🔴 Q2. Where did the author first receive Mijbil from?
🔵 Answer: He received Mijbil in Basra, Iraq.
🔴 Q3. What was Mijbil’s full name?
🔵 Answer: Mijbil was called “Mijbil the Otter” or simply “Mij.”
🔴 Q4. How did Mijbil behave in the beginning?
🔵 Answer: He was aloof, indifferent, and preferred to stay away from the author.
🔴 Q5. What did Mijbil do to turn the bathroom into his “playroom”?
🔵 Answer: He played joyfully with water, plunging, rolling, and splashing in the bathtub.
🔴 Q6. How did Mijbil gradually change towards the author?
🔵 Answer: He became affectionate, followed him around, curled in his lap, and developed companionship.
🔴 Q7. Why did the author decide to keep an otter instead of a dog?
🔵 Answer: After losing his pet dog, he wanted another animal and chose an otter for a change.
🔴 Q8. What difficulties did the author face while taking Mijbil to London?
🔵 Answer: Airlines did not allow animals easily, so he had to carry Mijbil in a box, creating many problems during travel.
🔴 Q9. How did Mijbil attract attention in London?
🔵 Answer: People were fascinated by his unusual appearance and playful antics, making him popular wherever he went.
🔴 Q10. What qualities of otters are highlighted through Mijbil’s behaviour?
🔵 Answer: Otters are playful, intelligent, curious, and affectionate, showing deep bonds with humans.
🔴 Q11. What does the story reveal about the relationship between humans and animals?
🔵 Answer: It shows that patience, kindness, and love can create trust and strong companionship between humans and wild animals.
🔴 Q12. Describe Mijbil’s playful nature with examples.
🔵 Answer: Mijbil loved water, played endlessly in the bathroom, and entertained himself with toys and mischief, showing boundless energy and joy.
🔴 Q13. What is the central message of Mijbil the Otter?
🔵 Answer: The story highlights affection, adaptability, and the joy of bonding with animals, stressing love for wildlife and harmony between humans and nature.
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