CHAPTER-6
MIJBIL THE OTTER
GAVIN MAXWELL ✍
MIJBIL THE OTTER
SUMMARY
1. The Author’s Desire
o
Gavin Maxwell was living in Iraq
at that time.
o
After his pet dog died, he felt
lonely and wanted to get another pet.
o
He decided to keep an otter as a
pet instead of another dog.
2. Getting the Otter
o Maxwell asked his friend to get an otter from the
marshes of Iraq.
o His friend sent an otter as a gift.
o The otter was mail-ordered and brought to him in a
sack.
3. Naming the Otter
o The otter was mischievous and playful.
o The author named it Mijbil (pronounced
"My-bill").
4. Life with Mijbil
o Mijbil was curious and loved water.
o He quickly learned to open taps and play in the
bath.
o He made the entire bathroom messy by splashing
water everywhere.
o He was also intelligent and loving.
5. Preparing to Go to
England
o The author had to return to England from Iraq.
o Taking animals on flights was not allowed.
o He packed Mijbil in a box and hoped for the best.
6. Trouble at the
Airport
o At the airport, the box was damaged and Mijbil
escaped.
o He ran around the airport, creating panic.
o After a lot of effort, Maxwell caught Mijbil and
boarded the plane.
7. Mijbil in London
o In London, people had never seen an otter before.
o Most people thought he was a strange animal – some
guessed he was a walrus, a baby seal, or even a hippopotamus!
o Mijbil enjoyed his new home and adjusted well.
8. The Bond Between
Mijbil and the author
o Mijbil and the author shared a deep friendship.
o Mijbil was loyal, funny, and friendly.
o The author learned that otters make loving and
intelligent pets, though they are not easy to keep.
MIJBIL THE OTTER
SHORT QUESTION
1.
“…every
drop of water must be, so to speak, extended and spread about the place…”
Describe Maxwell’s observation regarding Mij with reference to the given quote.
Answer: Maxwell observed that Mijbil loved playing with
water. According to the quote, Mij didn’t just enjoy water—he wanted it
everywhere. He would jump into bowls, splash around, and even spill water on
purpose. For Mij, water wasn’t just for drinking—it was something fun to play
with and spread all around.
2.
What did
the Londoners think about Mijbil the otter?
Answer: Londoners found
Mijbil the otter very strange, as they had never seen such a pet before. Some
thought it belonged to the mustelline group, while others guessed it was a
small walrus, a baby seal, a hippo, or even a brontosaur.
3.
Maxwell’s
fear of sending Mij to England was legitimate. Give a reason.
Answer: Maxwell’s fear of sending Mijbil to England was
legitimate because Mij was a wild animal, not used to travel or new
environments. The journey could stress him or harm his health. Maxwell was also
worried about the strict travel rules and whether Mij would be accepted or even
allowed into England safely.
4.
Maxwell
was justified in thinking very highly of the airhostess. Justify
Answer: Maxwell was right to think highly of the air
hostess because she was kind, calm, and helpful. She did not panic when she
found out about Mijbil. Instead, she smiled and even offered to keep Mij on her
lap. Her friendly and understanding nature made the journey easier for Maxwell
and showed her caring personality.
5.
What did
Mijbil, the otter, do in the bathroom after two days of his arrival?
Answer: Two days after his arrival, Mijbil escaped from
the bedroom and went into the bathroom. Being playful and intelligent, he tried
to turn on the tap. After struggling for some time, he managed to get a full
flow of water and enjoyed playing in it.
6.
Compare
any one compulsive human habit with respect to the otter’s compulsive habit, as
mentioned in the text.
Answer: Just like humans bite their nails without
thinking—often when bored or stressed—Mijbil had a habit of jumping on and off
a wall again and again. Both habits are repetitive and seem to give comfort.
These actions, though different, show how both humans and animals sometimes
repeat behaviors to feel better or stay busy.
7.
What
would you say was the greatest obstacle faced by the narrator in transporting
Mijbil to Camusfearna?
Answer: The biggest obstacle Maxwell faced in taking
Mijbil to Camusfearna was the airline's rule against carrying animals. He had
to change his travel plans and find another airline. Even then, he had to
follow strict rules about the size of Mij's box. These problems made the
journey difficult and stressful for both.
8.
There
is not a dull moment when pets are around. Explain how this holds true in case
of “Mijbil the Otter”.
Answer: In "Mijbil the Otter," Mij's playful and
curious nature makes every moment lively. He plays with ping-pong balls,
explores the bathtub, and even creates fun while traveling. His funny and
surprising actions keep the narrator busy and happy. This shows that pets, like
Mij, fill life with fun, joy, and excitement.
9.
How did
Mij invite the attention of the teachers and the students of a primary school
in London?
Answer: Mij often played on the low wall of the primary
school opposite Maxwell’s house. He would run and jump over the
thirty-yard-long wall at full speed. His playful activity caught the attention
of both teachers and students, distracting them from their lessons.
10.
Peculiar
behaviours are a characteristic of Otters. Discuss with respect to “Mijbil the
Otter”.
Answer: Otters have many strange and funny habits, as seen
in "Mijbil the Otter." Mij liked to play with stones, made up games
with ping-pong balls, and had a routine for walking on the streets. These
unusual actions show that otters have unique and playful behavior, which makes
them fun and interesting animals.
11.
Without
the assistance of the airhostess, the narrator could not have transported
Mijbil from Basra to London safely. Comment.
Answer: Without the air hostess’s help, it would have been
very hard for the narrator to take Mijbil safely from Basra to London. She was
kind and calm, even when Mij created trouble. She offered to look after him
during the flight. Her support made the journey easier and safer for both Mij
and the narrator.
12.
Mijbil
caused a sensation in London. Expound with reference to the chapter “Mijbil the
Otter”.
Answer: In "Mijbil the Otter," Mij caused a
sensation in London because people had never seen a pet like him before. His
funny looks and playful behavior amazed everyone. Many people guessed he was a
squirrel or a baby seal. His presence attracted attention, and his cute and
curious actions made him very popular and interesting.
MIJBIL THE OTTER
LONG QUESTION
1.
Imagine
yourself to be the narrator of “Mijbil the Otter”. A friend of yours is
confused about whether to adopt an otter as a pet or not and has asked for your
advice. Based on the experiences described in the chapter, write a letter to
your friend giving your opinion on the matter. You may use the prompt given
below-
XYZ, Camusfearna
Sandaig Bay,
UK
4 December ‘61
Dear Gavin
Trust you and Mij are doing well. I am writing for a special reason that will
surely interest. This is because it concerns the love of your life- otters! I
have been….
Yours affectionately
Kevin
Answer:
XYZ,
Camusfearna, Sandaig Bay,
UK
4 December ’61
Dear Kevin,
Hope you're doing well. I was happy to hear that you’re thinking of adopting an
otter. Since I’ve had Mijbil for some time now, I thought I should share my
experience to help you decide.
Otters are truly amazing creatures—full of fun, energy, and surprises! Mij is
playful, intelligent, and has filled my life with joy. Watching him invent
games and explore new things is a delight every day.
But caring for an otter is not easy. They need a lot of space, water to play
in, and constant attention. Travelling with Mij was very difficult, especially
with airline rules and his sudden escape at the airport. You must also be ready
for their mischief—they’re curious and can be a handful!
If you love animals and are ready for a bit of chaos, the bond you’ll form with
an otter is truly special. Just be sure you're prepared for the care they need.
Yours affectionately,
Gavin
2.
The
narrator is a great lover animals. He decided to have an otter, a unique
animal, as a pet. Do you also have or want to keep a pet? There are many
responsibilities towards the pet to keep them happy. How do you take good care
of your pet?
Answer: The narrator’s
love for animals is clear when he chooses an otter, a very unusual pet, to
overcome his sadness after losing his dog. This shows how pets bring comfort
and companionship to human life. I also have a pet dog named Bruno, and I treat
him like a member of the family. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility.
I ensure that Bruno is regularly vaccinated and taken to the vet for check-ups.
He is given a balanced diet to keep him healthy and active. I also take him for
walks daily so that he gets enough exercise. Pets should never be chained all
the time, as it makes them restless and unhappy. Instead, they need love, affection,
and playful activities to stay cheerful. For me, Bruno is not just a pet, but a
loyal friend who completes my family.
3.
The
People’s Collective for Endangered Species has invited the narrator of “Mijbil
the Otter” as a guest speaker to address the audience about the importance of
protecting Otters and their natural habitats like lakes and ponds.
As the narrator, pen down a speech detailing your own experience with
Mijbil and why it is important to conserve water bodies for animals like
Otters.
You may use the prompt given below-
My Experiences with
Mijbil
Theodore Roosevelt said, “Wildlife cannot speak, so we must and we will.” Dear
friends, I have had a pet otter named Mijbil as my roommate for several years
now. What I want to share with you today, is how all forms of wildlife are
integral for …………..
Answer:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Wildlife cannot speak, so we must and we
will.” Today, I want to share my journey with Mijbil, an otter who was more
than just a pet—he was my friend and teacher.
Mijbil loved water more than anything. He would spend hours playing in the
bathtub or splashing around with joy. Through him, I saw how closely otters are
connected to rivers, lakes, and ponds. Without clean and safe water, creatures
like Mijbil cannot survive.
Otters are also a sign of a healthy environment. If they are around, it means
the water is clean, full of life, and safe for many other species too. Sadly,
pollution and habitat loss are putting their lives at risk.
If we protect our water bodies, we are also protecting otters and many other
animals. Let us speak for them and work together to keep their homes safe.
Thank you.
4.
If
Mijbil were living in the world of the poem, The Tale of Custard the Dragon,
how do you think he would have
(a) behaved with Custard?
(b) reacted to the appearance of the pirate?
Rationalise your answer
Answer : If Mijbil lived in the world of The Tale of Custard
the Dragon, his actions would reflect his playful yet alert nature.
(a) Mijbil would likely be friendly and curious about Custard. He might try to
cheer him up and play with him, helping Custard become more confident and less
shy. His joyful energy could make Custard feel braver and more included.
(b) When the pirate appeared, Mijbil would probably act cautiously. Otters are
smart and quick to sense danger. He might hide at first or alert others by
making noise. But once he saw Custard bravely fighting, Mijbil might come out
to cheer him or even distract the pirate in his own clever way.
In short, Mijbil would bring fun and courage to the group—being playful with
friends, yet careful and clever in danger.
MIJBIL THE OTTER
EXTRACT BASED QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
For the first twenty-four hours
Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent,
choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night
Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of
my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began
to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his
surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the
bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water, plunging
and rolling in it, shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater,
and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo.
i.
“Mijbil was neither hostile nor
friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent…”
From the actions of the given set of friends, choose the person who’s behaviour
is likely to resemble Mijbil’s.
a) Akanksha rudely tells her best friend to stop calling.
b) Piyush was amicable since the day he walked into his new classroom.
c) Rishabh became nasty as soon as he started earning money.
d) Urvashi was distant for a while after losing her grandmother.
ii.
Select the option that correctly
puts the following events in correct order.
1. Maxwell planned to take Mijbil to the bathroom.
2. Mijbil slept at a significant distance from Maxwell’s bed.
3. Mijbil immensely enjoyed playing in water.
4. Mijbil slept in much closer vicinity of the author as opposed to the previous
night.
a) 1, 3, 4, 2
b) 3, 1, 2, 4
c) 2, 4, 1, 3
d) 4, 3, 1, 2
iii.
The words “slosh and splash” are
examples of the onomatopoeic words that go together phonetically-resembling the
sound that they describe.
Choose the option that DOES NOT fit the given description.
a) hip hop
b) bow wow
c) tick tock
d) pitter patter
iv.
Choose the option that correctly
describes a body-belt in the given context as explained by the four people
given below.
a) A body-belt is a device especially made for swimmers and scuba divers, which
helps them breathe under water.
b) Body-belts basically resemble the waist belts and keep our body upright, in
a standing position.
c) Body-belts are used for restraining while doing certain activities, in order
to prevent hurt.
d) A body-belt is an accessory used by body builders for weight training as a
measure against muscle and bone injuries.
v.
Select the option that best
describes the final action of the otter, based on the given passage.
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)
EXTRACT-2
When I returned, there was an
appalling spectacle. There was complete silence from the box, but from its
airholes and chinks around the lid, blood had trickled and dried. I whipped off
the lock and tore open the lid, and Mij, exhausted and blood-spattered, whimpered
and caught at my leg. He had torn the lining of the box to shreds; when I
removed the last of it so that there were no cutting edges left, it was just
ten minutes until the time of the flight, and the airport was five miles
distant. I put the miserable Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with
my hand. I sat in the back of the car with the box beside me as the driver tore
through the streets of Basra like a ricocheting bullet.
i.
What did the
narrator see when he returned to the box?
a) Mij was happily playing
b) The box was neat and clean
c) Blood had trickled and dried around the lid
d) The lock was broken
ii.
Fill in the blank:
Mij had torn the ______ of the box to shreds.
iii.
How did the
narrator react after seeing the condition of Mij in the box?
iv.
True or False:
The narrator had plenty of time left for the flight after rescuing Mij.
EXTRACT-3
Mij was out of the box in a flash. He disappeared at high
speed down the aircraft. There were squawks and shrieks, and a woman stood up
on her seat screaming out, “A rat! A rat!” I caught sight of Mij’s tail
disappearing beneath the legs of a portly whiteturbaned Indian. Diving for it,
I missed, but found my face covered in curry. “Perhaps,” said the air hostess
with the most charming smile, “it would be better if you resumed your seat, and
I will find the animal and bring it to you.”
i.
What did Mij do as soon as he was
out of the box?
a) Sat quietly near the narrator
b) Disappeared at high speed down the aircraft
c) Climbed onto the narrator’s lap
d) Jumped out of the aircraft
ii.
How did the passengers react when
Mij ran through the aircraft?
a) They started laughing
b) They ignored him
c) There were squawks and shrieks
d) They tried to catch him
iii.
What did a woman scream on seeing
Mij?
a) “A dog! A dog!”
b) “A rat! A rat!”
c) “A cat! A cat!”
d) “A snake! A snake!”
iv.
What happened when the narrator
dived to catch Mij?
a) He caught Mij’s tail
b) He fell on the floor
c) His face got covered in curry
d) He injured his hand
v.
What suggestion did the air
hostess give to the narrator?
a) To leave Mij free
b) To tie Mij with a rope
c) To resume his seat while she found the animal
d) To open the aircraft door
ANSWER
EXTRACT-1
i-d, ii-c, iii-a, iv-c, v-b
EXTRACT-2
i-c, ii- lining,
iii- The narrator was
shocked and quickly unlocked the box. Seeing Mij exhausted, blood-stained, and
miserable, he removed the cutting edges, comforted him, and then placed him back
in the box to rush for the flight.
iv- False
EXTRACT-3
i-b , ii-c, iii-a, iv-c, v-c,
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