Chapter 6, Gavin Maxwell’s ‘Mijbil the Otter’ Summary, Vocabulary, Extra Questions, Character Sketch, Question Answers, and Important Passages.

Chapter 6- ‘Mijbil the Otter’ by Gavin Maxwell

Next on First Flight: Poem 8- ‘Fog‘ by Carl Sandburg

Supplementary Reader: Class 10- Footprints Without Feet

Vocabulary:

• Abreast: Alongside or level with something or someone.
• Affront: An action or remark that causes outrage or offence.
• Apathy: Lack of interest or emotion.
• Barraged: Attacked or overwhelmed with many questions or something else simultaneously.
• Chitter: A sound made by small animals, often a rapid, chattering noise.
• Consulate-General: An office of a government official in a foreign country representing their country’s interests.
• Dreaded: Feared greatly.
• Eminently: To a notable degree.
• Fixation: An obsessive interest or attachment.
• Fumbling: Clumsily handling or trying to do something.
• Gallop: To move quickly like a horse running.
• Indifferent: Not interested or concerned; apathetic.
• Juggles: To handle or play with several objects at once, skillfully tossing and catching them.
• Marbles: Small, round glass balls used in games.
• Medievally-conceived: Designed or imagined to resemble the Middle Ages; old-fashioned or archaic in style.
• Mustellines: A family of mammals that includes otters, badgers, weasels, and more.
• Portly: Stout or overweight.
• Profound: Tremendous or intense; deep.
• Ricochetting: Bouncing off surfaces in different directions.
• Shuffling: Moving with a dragging or sliding step.
• Splosh: To make a splash or slosh sound, often with water.
• Terrapin: A small freshwater turtle.
• Thraldom: Being under the control of something or someone; slavery.
• Trickle: A small, thin stream of liquid.
• Turbaned: Wearing a turban.

Summary ‘Mijbil the Otter’:

In ‘Mijbil the Otter, ’ Gavin Maxwell, a British writer living in Scotland, decides to keep an otter as a pet after his dog dies. While in Southern Iraq, a friend gives him an otter from the Tigris marshes. Maxwell names the otter Mijbil, later discovered as a species new to science. Mijbil is playful, loves water, and quickly bonds with Maxwell. 

When Maxwell travelled back to London, Mijbil caused chaos during the flight. In London, Mijbil entertained himself and others with his playful antics. People in the streets often mistook him for other animals. Despite the challenges, Maxwell grew fond of Mijbil and their life together was filled with amusing moments and adventures.

Theme of Mijbil the Otter:

1. Responsible Pet Ownership of Unusual Pets:

The theme of responsible pet ownership is central to Mijbil the Otter. Maxwell shows that caring for an unusual pet like an otter requires dedication, patience, and understanding of its needs. The story highlights challenges such as providing the right environment for Mijbil and adjusting to his natural behaviour, especially his love for water. 

Maxwell’s experience emphasises that owning an exotic pet is not just about enjoyment but also about responsibility and ensuring the animal’s well-being. It emphasises the need to understand the complexities of unusual pets and be prepared for unexpected challenges.

2. The Joy and Challenges of Pet Ownership:

Mijbil the Otter explores the special bond between people and animals. Gavin Maxwell’s story shows how he finds joy and companionship with Mijbil, an otter he brings home from Iraq. The theme highlights the fun and unique experiences of having an unusual pet. Maxwell’s journey with Mijbil includes playful moments and challenges, such as Mijbil causing chaos during their flight and surprising people in London. 

The story reflects on the responsibilities of pet ownership and the deep emotional connection that develops between a person and their pet. Altogether, it’s about the adventure of caring for a pet and the happiness it can bring, even when it’s different from what is expected.

Character Sketch ‘Mijbil the Otter’:

1. Character Sketch of Gavin Maxwell:

1. Role:

Gavin Maxwell is the narrator and central figure of the story. He’s a Scottish writer and naturalist who adopts an otter, Mijbil, as a pet.

2. Characteristics:

• Curious: Maxwell’s decision to adopt an otter instead of a dog shows his adventurous spirit. He is open to trying new things, even if unconventional.

• Patient: Despite the chaos Mijbil causes, Maxwell remains calm and handles situations with care and understanding, such as when Mij escapes on the aeroplane.

• Caring: He develops a deep emotional connection with Mijbil, treating him with love and compassion and ensuring his well-being during their journey.

3. Interests:

Maxwell loves nature, animals, and travel. His fascination with unique animals leads him to adopt Mijbil and nurture this bond.

4. Strengths:

• Adaptable to challenges, whether travelling with a problematic pet or managing the surprises that come with it.

• Gentle, showing genuine affection for Mijbil while also learning from their relationship.

5. Weaknesses:

Perhaps too trusting, like when he leaves Mijbil alone in a box, leading to an unexpected disaster.

In short, Gavin Maxwell is a man whose love for animals shapes his life. His caring, patient, and adventurous nature shines through in his relationship with Mijbil.

2. Character Sketch of Mijbil: 

1. Role:

The titular character is Mijbil, an otter adopted by Gavin Maxwell. He’s a playful and captivating presence in Maxwell’s life.

2. Characteristics:

• Playful: Mijbil’s love for water and games, such as juggling marbles and dribbling a rubber ball, highlights his energetic and fun-loving nature.

• Curious: His fascination with new environments, like turning on the bathtub tap, showcases his inquisitive and intelligent side.

• Mischievous: Mijbil’s antics, from escaping during the flight to confusing London, reveal his spirited and sometimes troublesome behaviour.

3. Interests:

Mijbil enjoys playing with toys, exploring water, and interacting with his surroundings imaginatively. His activities often lead to amusing situations.

4. Strengths:

• He is brilliant, as seen in his quick learning and problem-solving skills.

• Affectionate, forming a strong bond with Maxwell and showing his love through playful interactions.

5. Weaknesses:

He can be chaotic, leading to unexpected challenges, such as causing a commotion on the aeroplane or confusion among passersby.

Mijbil is a lively and charming otter whose playful nature and cleverness bring both joy and a touch of chaos into Maxwell’s life.

Questions Answers ‘Mijbil the Otter’:

Thinking About The Text:

Q1: What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving animal who needs love? 

A1: Mijbil shows he is intelligent, friendly, and fun-loving in several ways:

• Intelligent: Mijbil learns to turn on the bathroom tap by himself and solves the suitcase game problem with a ping-pong ball.

• Friendly: He quickly bonds with Maxwell, showing affection by nuzzling his face and sitting on his lap during the flight.

• Fun-loving: Mijbil enjoys playing with toys, splashing in water, and inventing games. His playful behaviour, like rolling marbles on his belly and running along the wall, shows his joy and need for attention.

Q2: What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text? 

A2: From the text, we learn several things about otters:

• Playful: Otters love to play with toys, splash in water, and have fun with games.

• Intelligent: They can figure out how to turn on water taps and solve simple problems.

• Water-loving: Otters enjoy being in the water and often make a mess by spreading it around.

• Affectionate: They can form strong bonds with their owners and show affection, as seen with Mijbil and Maxwell.

Q3: Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as Maxwell’s otter? 

A3: Mij’s species is now known as Maxwell’s otter because Gavin Maxwell was the first to discover and describe it. Scientists named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli in honor of Maxwell’s contribution.

Q4:  Maxwell in the story speaks for the otter, Mij. He tells us what the otter feels and thinks on different occasions. Given below are some things the otter does. Complete the column on the right to say what Maxwell says about what Mij feels and thinks.

Q5: Read the story and find the sentences where Maxwell describes his pet otter. Then choose and arrange your sentences to illustrate those statements below that you think are true. 

Maxwell’s description 

Answers:

1. (v) shows that he observes the antics of Mij very carefully.

“I watched, amazed; in less than a minute he had turned the tap far enough to produce a trickle of water…”

2. (iii) shows that he is often surprised by what Mij does.

“I was amazed to see him… fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws.”

3. (i) makes Mij seem almost human, like a small boy.

“He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player…”

4. (iv) of Mij’s antics is comical.

“The woman stood up on her seat screaming out, ‘A rat! A rat!’… I found my face covered in curry.”

5. (vi) shows that he thinks Mij is a very ordinary otter.

(This statement is not true based on the text. Maxwell describes Mijbil as quite unique and unusual.)

6. (vii) shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual.

“Mijbil was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli.”

7. (ii) shows that he is often irritated with what Mij does.

(This statement is not strongly supported in the text, as Maxwell’s tone is more admiring and amused than irritated.)

Thinking About Language:

I. From the table below, make as many correct sentences as you can using would and/or used to, as appropriate. (Hint: First decide whether the words in italics show an action, or a state or situation, in the past.) Then add two or three sentences of your own to it.

• Would (for repeated actions in the past):

1. Emperor Akbar would be fond of musical evenings.

2. Every evening, we would take long walks on the beach.

3. My uncle would spend his holidays by the sea.

• Used to (for repeated actions, states, or situations in the past):

1. Emperor Akbar used to be fond of musical evenings.

2. Fifty years ago, very few people used to own cars.

3. Till the 1980s, Shanghai used to have very dirty streets.

4. When we were young, we used to believe there were ghosts in school.

5. Thirty years ago, more women used to be housewives than now.

• Additional Sentences:

1. I used to visit my grandparents every summer.

2. In the past, people used to communicate by writing letters.

3. As a child, I would play outside until it got dark.

4. During my school days, I would stay up late studying for exams.

1. Look at these examples from the text, and say whether the modifiers (in italics) are nouns, proper nouns, or adjective plus noun. 

(i) An otter fixation: Adjective plus noun (“otter” describes the type of fixation.)

(ii) The iron railings: Adjective plus noun (Here, “iron” describes the type of railings.)

(iii) The Tigris marshes: Proper noun (“Tigris” is a proper noun referring to the specific marshes.)

(iv) The London streets: Proper noun (“London” is a proper noun referring to the specific streets.)

(v) Soft velvet fur: Adjective plus noun (“soft velvet” describes the type of fur.)

(vi) A four-footed soccer player: Adjective plus noun (“four-footed” describes the type of soccer player.)

2. Given below are some nouns, and a set of modifiers (in the box). Combine the nouns and modifiers to make as many appropriate phrases as you can.

III. Read this sentence:

1. Match the words on the left with a word on the right. Some words on the left can go with more than one word on the right.

Answers: 

(i) a portion of – gold

(ii) a pool of – water

(iii) flakes of – snow

(iv) a huge heap of – cotton

(v) a gust of – wind

(vi) little drops of – water

(vii) a piece of – fried fish

(viii) a pot of – gold

2. Use a bit of/a piece of/a bunch of/a cloud of/a lump of with the italicised nouns in the following sentences. The first has been done for you as an example.

Answers: 

(ii) Can you give me a lump of clay, please?

(iii) The information you gave was a bit of useful.

(iv) Because of these factories, a cloud of smoke hangs over the city.

(v) Two lumps of stones rubbed together can produce sparks of fire.

(vi) He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday.

Writing:

Write a description of a person or an animal (such as a pet) that you know very well and love very much. Questions (4) and (5) in ‘Thinking about the Text’ will have given you some idea about how to do this. Mention some things the person or animal does, what you think the person or animal feels, etc.

Extra Questions ‘Mijbil the Otter’ by Gavin Maxwell:

Short Answer Type Questions:

Q1: Why did Gavin Maxwell adopt an otter instead of a dog?

A1: Gavin Maxwell adopted an otter because he felt too sad to get another dog after Jonnie died. He wanted a new kind of pet and thought an otter would be perfect for his home, Camusfearna, surrounded by water—an ideal place for an otter.

Q2: How did Mijbil, the otter, behave when he arrived in Gavin Maxwell’s care?

A2: When Mijbil first arrived, he wasn’t friendly or aggressive. Instead, he acted indifferent and stayed away from Gavin. However, on the second night, Mijbil started sleeping near Gavin and soon became more curious, playful, and interested in his surroundings, especially water.

Q3: What playful habits did Mijbil display during his time in London?

A3: Mijbil loved playing with toys like ping-pong balls and marbles in London. He invented games like rolling a ball down a suitcase and then ambushing it. He also liked juggling marbles on his belly while lying on his back. His playful nature kept him entertained for hours.

Q4: How did the airline journey to England affect Mijbil?

A4: The airline journey was stressful for Mijbil. He injured himself trying to escape from the small box he was placed in, causing him to bleed. Later, when freed, he ran down the plane, confusing the passengers. Despite the chaos, he eventually calmed down.

Q5: How did people in London react to seeing Mijbil on the streets?

A5: People in London were inquisitive about Mijbil and made many guesses about Mijbil’s identity. They thought he was a baby seal, beaver, bear cub, or even a small hippo. Some guesses were funny, like a squirrel or a brontosaur. Almost no one realised that Mijbil was an otter, which surprised Gavin Maxwell.

Q6: How did Mijbil first interact with water in Maxwell’s home?

A6: When Mijbil first interacted with water in Maxwell’s home, he was excited. He splashed, rolled, and dived into the bathtub with great energy, making a huge mess. Mijbil loved playing with water, and it became clear that otters enjoy keeping water moving and active.

Q7: What challenges did Gavin Maxwell face while transporting Mijbil to England?

A7: Gavin Maxwell faced several challenges while transporting Mijbil to England. Mijbil injured himself in the small box during the flight to Paris, and once freed, he caused chaos by running down the aeroplane. The journey was stressful for Mijbil and Maxwell, making it a challenging experience.

Q8: How did Mijbil’s playful nature help Maxwell during their time in London?

A8: Mijbil’s playful nature helped Maxwell by providing him with joy and entertainment during their time in London. Mijbil played games with balls and juggled marbles, and followed playful rituals, bringing laughter and fun. His energy and curiosity helped brighten Maxwell’s days in a new city.

Q9: What unique characteristics did Maxwell notice about Mijbil’s breed?

A9: Maxwell noticed that Mijbil belonged to a unique breed of otter not previously known to science. Mijbil was later classified as Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell’s otter. This made Mijbil special, as he was the first of his kind to be recognised by zoologists.

Q10: How did Maxwell describe Mijbil’s appearance when he first saw him in the Consulate bedroom?

A10: Maxwell described Mijbil as looking like a small, dragon-like creature covered in mud. He was coated with pointed scales of mud, with soft, chocolate-brown fur underneath. It took a month to clean off the dirt and see Mijbil’s true colours.

Q11: How did Mijbil’s presence affect the school opposite Maxwell’s flat?

A11: Mijbil attracted much attention at the school across from Maxwell’s flat. He would jump on a low wall and run along it, distracting and amusing students and teachers. His playful antics became a source of fun and surprise for the school.

Q12: How did Mijbil manage to turn on the water tap, and what did this show about his intelligence?

A12: Mijbil used his paws to turn the tap, creating a trickle of water and achieving a full flow. This clever behaviour showed Mijbil’s intelligence and curiosity, as he quickly learned how to control the water himself.

Q13: What was the funniest or most surprising guess someone made about Mijbil’s identity?

A13: The funniest guess about Mijbil’s identity was that he was a “brontosaur,” a type of dinosaur. Another surprising guess was that he was a “walrus.” These guesses showed how unusual and unfamiliar Mijbil looked to people who had never seen an otter before.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Q1: What led Gavin Maxwell to choose an otter as a pet instead of a dog?

A1: Gavin Maxwell decided to adopt an otter instead of a dog after his beloved dog, Jonnie, passed away. He felt too sad to get another dog but still wanted a pet. While visiting Southern Iraq, Maxwell mentioned wanting an otter, and a friend suggested he could find one in the Tigris marshes, where otters were common and often tamed by locals. 

This idea interested Maxwell because his home in Camusfearna, Scotland, was surrounded by water, making it a perfect place for an otter to live. When his friend later brought him an otter, Maxwell accepted it, beginning his unique adventure with Mijbil. This choice changed his life and gave him a special bond with a new type of pet.

Q2: What are some unique behaviours and characteristics of Mijbil as described in the text?

A2: Mijbil, the otter, had many unique behaviours and characteristics. He loved the water and would play in it for hours, splashing and making a mess. Mijbil was clever; he learned to turn on taps in the bathroom by himself. He was also very playful, especially with rubber balls and marbles. He enjoyed lying on his back and juggling marbles with his paws. Mijbil was curious and explored everything around him. 

He even followed Gavin Maxwell without a lead. In London, he liked to run on a low wall near Maxwell’s flat, entertaining children at a nearby school. These behaviours showed that Mijbil was intelligent, playful, and full of energy, making him a fascinating pet.

Q3: What is the significance of the bond between Maxwell and Mijbil in the story?

A3: The bond between Maxwell and Mijbil is significant in the story. After losing his dog, Maxwell felt lonely and wanted a new pet. When he got Mijbil, he wasn’t sure how things would go, but they quickly became close. Mijbil’s playful and curious nature brought joy and excitement into Maxwell’s life. Caring for Mijbil helped Maxwell find happiness again, showing how pets can profoundly affect our emotions. 

The bond also showed how animals and humans communicate and understand each other, even without words. This connection was unique because it made Maxwell appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of forming a friendship with a wild animal, creating lasting memories for him.

Q4: How does Maxwell’s description of Mijbil’s actions add to the reader’s understanding of otters?

A4: Maxwell’s description of Mijbil’s actions helps readers learn more about otters in a fun and exciting way. He describes how Mijbil loves water, showing that otters are naturally playful swimmers. Mijbil’s cleverness, like turning on taps and playing with toys, shows how intelligent and curious otters are. 

By sharing how Mijbil juggles marbles and dribbles a rubber ball like a soccer player, Maxwell helps readers see that otters enjoy playtime and have unique behaviours. These detailed descriptions give readers a closer look at what otters are like in real life. It helps them understand that otters are not just wild animals but can also be friendly, intelligent, and full of personality.

Q5: In what ways does the story of Mijbil convey the joys and challenges of pet ownership?

A5: The story of Mijbil shows both the joys and challenges of having a pet. Maxwell experiences joy when Mijbil brings fun and excitement into his life. He watches Mijbil play in the water, juggle marbles, and follow him around, which makes him happy and fills his days with laughter. However, there are also challenges. Taking care of Mijbil means dealing with his messes, like splashing water everywhere. 

Travelling with Mijbil is difficult, especially when he escapes on the aeroplane and scares other passengers. Maxwell also has to find ways to keep Mijbil safe and entertained. The story shows that while pets can bring love and happiness, they require patience, responsibility, and understanding from their owners.

Q6: What does Maxwell’s account of transporting Mijbil from Iraq to England reveal about the difficulties of travelling with exotic pets?

A6: Maxwell’s story of transporting Mijbil from Iraq to England shows that travelling with exotic pets can be difficult. He faces many problems, like airline rules that require Mijbil to be in a small box, which makes the otter nervous and hurts himself. It shows how hard it can be to keep exotic pets comfortable during travel. 

When they are on the aeroplane, Mijbil escapes and runs around, scaring passengers who think he is a rat. The incident reveals how people are not used to seeing exotic animals and might react with fear. Maxwell’s experience highlights the challenges of moving an unusual pet, including finding safe ways to travel and dealing with unexpected situations.

Q7: How did Mijbil’s playful nature influence Maxwell’s daily life?

A7: Mijbil’s playful nature significantly impacted Maxwell’s daily life. Mijbil loved playing with toys and splashing in water, which made Maxwell’s days more joyful and lively. Maxwell spent much time watching and joining Mijbil’s games, like playing with marbles and rubber balls. His playfulness brought Maxwell happiness and kept him entertained. 

Mijbil’s playful behaviour also meant that Maxwell had to find ways to keep him busy and safe, like setting up toys or ensuring he had enough space to play. Mijbil’s playful nature added fun to Maxwell’s life and made everyday routines more exciting and enjoyable.

Important Excerpts ‘Mijbil the Otter’ by Gavin Maxwell’:

1. Maxwell’s Decision to Get an Otter:

“By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment.”

Context: Maxwell explains why he wants an otter as a pet. After losing his dog, he considered getting another pet but wanted something different. His home in Camusfearna, near the water, seemed like the perfect place for an otter. This moment shows the beginning of his journey to find and keep an otter.

2. First Encounter with Mijbil:

“The creature that emerged from this sack on to the spacious tiled floor of the Consulate bedroom resembled most of all a very small, medievally-conceived, dragon.”

Context: The passage describes the first time Maxwell sees Mijbil. He gets the otter from a friend while in Iraq. Mijbil is covered in mud and looks like a little dragon. This moment marks the start of Maxwell’s adventure with his new pet, highlighting the uniqueness of Mijbil’s appearance.

3. Mijbil’s Playful Nature:

“He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player using all four feet to dribble the ball, and he could also throw it, with a powerful flick of the neck, to a surprising height and distance.”

Context: The excerpt shows Mijbil’s playful and active nature. Like a soccer player, he loves playing with a rubber ball, using all his paws to move it around. It shows how energetic and fun-loving otters can be, making them unique and entertaining pets.

4. Mijbil’s Love for Water:

“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.”

Context: Maxwell describes how much Mijbil loves water. When he first gets into the bathtub, Mijbil is overjoyed and swims and splashes around. This behaviour shows that otters are naturally water-loving animals and enjoy playing in water, which is an important part of their nature.

5. Travel Challenges with Mijbil:

“The airline insisted that Mij should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches square, to be carried on the floor at my feet.”

Context: The excerpt discusses Maxwell’s difficulties while transporting Mijbil from Iraq to England. Airlines have strict rules about animals, so Mijbil has to be in a small box, which makes him uncomfortable. It shows the challenges of travelling with an exotic pet and how it can be stressful for the pet and the owner.

6. Mijbil’s Escape on the Airplane:

“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!'”

Context: During the flight, Mijbil escapes from his box and runs through the aeroplane, causing panic among the passengers. Some people even mistake him for a rat. This incident shows how unfamiliar people are with otters and the chaos of travelling with an unusual pet.

7. Mijbil’s Adaptation to London Life:

“Outside the house I exercised him on a lead, precisely as if he had been a dog. Mij quickly developed certain compulsive habits on these walks in the London streets.”

Context: After arriving in London, Maxwell walks Mijbil on a leash like a dog. During these walks, Mijbil develops habits like running along a low wall. It shows how Mijbil adjusts to life in the city and how Maxwell tries to include him in everyday activities, even though he is an unusual pet.

8. Public Reactions to Mijbil:

“It is not, I suppose, in any way strange that the average Londoner should not recognise an otter, but the variety of guesses as to what kind of animal this might be came as a surprise to me.”

Context: Maxwell talks about how people in London often don’t recognise Mijbil as an otter. They guess he might be all sorts of animals, like a baby seal or walrus. This highlights how rare and unique it is to see an otter in a city and how people are not used to such exotic pets.

9. The Bond Between Maxwell and Mijbil:

“I heard from my feet a distressed chitter of recognition and welcome, and Mij bounded on to my knee and began to nuzzle my face and my neck.”

Context: The moment shows the strong bond between Maxwell and Mijbil. After escaping and exploring the aeroplane, Mijbil returns to Maxwell and shows affection by nuzzling him. This touching moment demonstrates their close connection and how Mijbil sees Maxwell as his trusted companion.