CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight)
Chapter 8: Mijbil the Otter
20 Important Questions & Answers
Mijbil the Otter is an autobiographical narrative by Gavin Maxwell. The chapter highlights the deep bond between humans and animals, the playful nature of otters, and the author’s memorable experiences with his pet otter, Mij.
Q1. Why did Gavin Maxwell decide to keep an otter instead of a dog?
Answer:
Gavin Maxwell had been very fond of his pet dog, but after its death, he felt lonely and did not wish to keep another dog immediately. During his visit to Iraq in 1956, the idea of keeping an otter as a pet came to his mind. His home in Camusfearna, Scotland, was surrounded by water, making it a suitable place for an otter. A friend suggested that otters were easily available in the Tigris marshes. Maxwell found the idea exciting and unusual. Therefore, he decided to adopt an otter and raise it as a companion, hoping it would fill the emptiness left by the loss of his beloved dog.
Q2. How did the author receive Mijbil?
Answer:
The author received Mijbil unexpectedly while staying in Basra, Iraq. He had been waiting for his mail, which had been delayed. When it finally arrived, he returned to his room and found two Arabs carrying a sack. Inside the sack was a small otter sent by his friend as a gift. The otter looked strange because it was covered with mud and dust. Maxwell was surprised but delighted to receive such a unique animal. He immediately accepted the otter and later named him Mijbil, or Mij for short. This marked the beginning of a close and affectionate relationship between the author and the otter.
Q3. Describe Mijbil’s first appearance.
Answer:
When Maxwell first saw Mijbil, the otter appeared unusual and almost unrecognizable. Its body was covered with mud, giving it the appearance of a small dragon with rough scales. However, beneath the mud was soft, velvet-like fur. The otter’s real beauty became visible only after repeated washing and cleaning. Mij had bright eyes, a playful nature, and a curious personality. Although he looked strange at first, the author soon became attached to him. The unique appearance and charming behaviour of the otter made him an unforgettable companion. Maxwell’s vivid description helps readers imagine the animal clearly and appreciate its individuality.
Q4. How did Mijbil react to water?
Answer:
Mijbil had a special love for water. The first time the author introduced him to a bathtub, the otter became extremely excited and joyful. He dived, rolled, and played in the water for a long time. Water seemed to be his natural habitat, and he felt completely comfortable in it. Later, Mij even learned how to turn on the tap by himself. Whenever the water stopped flowing, he became annoyed and tried to make it run again. His fascination with water showed his natural instincts as an otter. These playful activities provided endless entertainment for the author and strengthened their bond.
Q5. How did Mijbil become friendly with the author?
Answer:
At first, Mijbil remained distant and cautious. He preferred sleeping on the floor rather than near the author. However, within a short time, he began to trust Maxwell. The very next night, he climbed onto the bed and slept comfortably in the bend of the author’s knees. Gradually, Mij became affectionate and responsive. He followed Maxwell when called and enjoyed spending time with him. The author treated him with care and patience, helping the otter adapt to a domestic environment. Their growing friendship demonstrated the importance of kindness and understanding in building trust between humans and animals.
Q6. Why was the journey to London difficult for the author?
Answer:
Taking Mijbil from Iraq to London was a challenging task for Maxwell. Many airlines refused to transport animals, forcing him to make special travel arrangements. He had to keep Mij inside a box during the journey. The otter disliked confinement and injured himself while trying to escape from the box. Blood appeared around the air holes, causing the author great concern. During the flight, Mij escaped from the box and moved around the cabin, creating confusion among passengers. Despite these difficulties, Maxwell remained patient and ensured the otter’s safety throughout the journey.
Q7. What happened when Mij escaped from the box in the airplane?
Answer:
During the flight, Mijbil managed to get out of his travel box and disappeared among the passengers. Soon, frightened cries and loud noises filled the cabin. One passenger even shouted that there was a rat on the plane. The situation became chaotic as people searched for the animal. The air hostess remained calm and assured Maxwell that she would help find the otter. After moving around the aircraft for some time, Mij eventually returned to the author on his own. The incident revealed the otter’s curiosity and adventurous nature while also showing Maxwell’s concern and affection for his unusual pet.
Q8. How did Mijbil entertain himself in London?
Answer:
In London, Mijbil entertained himself with various objects and games. He loved playing with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber toys, and even fruits. One of his favourite games involved a ping-pong ball and a suitcase. He would place the ball on the sloping lid of the suitcase and quickly catch it before it rolled off. He repeated this activity for hours without getting bored. His intelligence, energy, and playful nature fascinated the author. These games showed that animals can be curious and creative in finding ways to entertain themselves, much like human children.
Q9. Why did people in London get confused about Mij’s identity?
Answer:
Most people in London had never seen an otter closely. As a result, they were unable to identify Mij correctly. Whenever Maxwell took him out for walks, passers-by stared at the animal and made strange guesses about its identity. Some believed it was a baby seal, while others thought it was a squirrel, walrus, beaver, bear cub, or even a leopard. Their confusion amused the author greatly. The variety of answers highlighted how uncommon otters were in London at that time. These reactions also added humour and entertainment to the narrative.
Q10. Why did the author think the labourer’s question deserved the highest score?
Answer:
The author heard many amusing guesses about Mij’s identity, but one question stood out. A labourer who was digging a hole in the street noticed the otter and stared at it carefully. After observing the animal, he asked, “What is that supposed to be?” Maxwell considered this question the most honest and sensible of all. Unlike others who confidently guessed incorrect animals, the labourer openly admitted his confusion. The author appreciated this straightforward curiosity and therefore awarded the labourer’s question the highest score. The incident adds humour to the chapter and highlights people’s unfamiliarity with otters.
Q11. What kind of relationship existed between Maxwell and Mijbil?
Answer:
The relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil was based on affection, trust, and companionship. Initially, the otter was shy and cautious, but gradually he developed a strong bond with the author. Maxwell cared for Mij like a family member and paid close attention to his needs and habits. In return, Mij became friendly, playful, and attached to him. The otter followed Maxwell, responded to his voice, and enjoyed spending time with him. Their relationship demonstrates that animals can form deep emotional connections with humans when treated with kindness, patience, and understanding.
Q12. What qualities of Mijbil made him special?
Answer:
Mijbil was special because of his intelligence, curiosity, playfulness, and affectionate nature. He quickly adapted to life with humans and learned new things easily. His love for water and his ability to turn on taps showed his cleverness. He enjoyed playing games with balls, marbles, and other objects for long periods. Mij was also energetic and adventurous, often exploring his surroundings with enthusiasm. At the same time, he developed a strong bond with Maxwell and responded warmly to his care. These qualities made him much more than a pet and turned him into a beloved companion.
Q13. How did Mijbil adapt to domestic life?
Answer:
Although Mijbil was a wild animal, he adapted remarkably well to domestic life. Initially, he remained cautious and preferred staying alone. However, with time and gentle care, he became comfortable in the author’s company. He learned to recognize his name, followed Maxwell when called, and developed playful habits. He enjoyed indoor games and adjusted to living in a flat. His ability to learn quickly and form emotional connections helped him settle into a human environment. Mij’s successful adaptation demonstrates the intelligence of animals and their capacity to adjust when treated with patience and affection.
Q14. What role does humour play in the chapter?
Answer:
Humour plays an important role in making the chapter enjoyable and memorable. Many incidents involving Mij create laughter and amusement. His playful activities, such as chasing balls and turning on taps, are entertaining. The airplane episode, where passengers panic after seeing the escaped otter, adds comic excitement. Another humorous aspect is the variety of strange guesses people make about Mij’s identity during walks in London. These funny situations lighten the narrative and make readers appreciate Mij’s lively personality. The humour also reflects the author’s affection and admiration for his unusual pet.
Q15. Why did Mij enjoy playing with ping-pong balls?
Answer:
Mijbil loved ping-pong balls because they allowed him to satisfy his natural curiosity and playful instincts. He invented games with them and spent hours rolling, chasing, and catching them. His favourite activity involved placing a ping-pong ball on the sloping lid of a suitcase and rushing to catch it before it fell. This game required speed and attention, making it exciting for him. The author observed these playful actions with great interest and amusement. Mij’s enjoyment of such simple objects highlights his intelligence and creativity, showing that animals can find pleasure in ordinary things.
Q16. What challenges did the author face while keeping an otter as a pet?
Answer:
Keeping an otter as a pet involved several challenges for the author. Mij required special care because he was a wild animal with unique habits and needs. Travelling with him was difficult, especially during the flight from Iraq to London. Mij disliked confinement and often created trouble by escaping from his box. The author also had to ensure that the otter had enough opportunities to play and exercise. Despite these difficulties, Maxwell remained patient and caring. His dedication helped Mij adjust successfully to domestic life and strengthened their companionship.
Q17. How did Mij behave during walks in London?
Answer:
Mijbil behaved energetically and curiously during his walks in London. He enjoyed exploring streets, touching objects, and examining his surroundings. Like an excited child, he ran about with enthusiasm and constantly searched for new experiences. One of his favourite activities was galloping along the wall of a primary school, which amused the students and distracted the teachers. His unusual appearance attracted attention wherever he went. People often stopped to watch him and ask questions. These walks revealed Mij’s lively personality and showed how much he enjoyed discovering the world around him.
Q18. What does the chapter teach us about animals?
Answer:
The chapter teaches readers that animals are intelligent, emotional, and capable of forming meaningful relationships with humans. Mijbil displays curiosity, affection, playfulness, and adaptability throughout the story. His behaviour shows that animals have distinct personalities and deserve understanding and respect. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of patience and kindness when caring for animals. Through Maxwell’s experiences, readers learn that companionship with animals can bring happiness and fulfilment. At the same time, the narrative reminds us that animals have natural instincts and should be treated responsibly. Overall, the chapter encourages empathy and appreciation for wildlife.
Q19. Why is “Mijbil the Otter” considered an autobiographical account?
Answer:
“Mijbil the Otter” is considered an autobiographical account because it is based on the real-life experiences of the author, Gavin Maxwell. The story is written in the first person and describes actual events from his life, including how he received Mij, cared for him, and travelled with him. The narrative contains personal observations, emotions, and memories, making it authentic and realistic. Maxwell shares his experiences honestly, allowing readers to understand his bond with the otter. This personal style gives the chapter warmth and credibility while making it engaging and memorable.
Q20. What is the central theme of “Mijbil the Otter”?
Answer:
The central theme of the chapter is the special bond between humans and animals. Through his experiences with Mijbil, Gavin Maxwell shows that love, care, and understanding can create strong relationships across species. The chapter also highlights the intelligence and playful nature of animals, demonstrating that they have emotions and unique personalities. Another important theme is adaptation, as both Maxwell and Mij learn to adjust to each other’s lifestyles. The story celebrates companionship, trust, and respect for wildlife. Overall, it encourages readers to value animals and recognize their importance in human life.