Class 10 English - BIHAR
Prose: Mijbil the Otter
Mijbil the Otter is an autobiographical prose piece by Gavin Maxwell that chronicles his journey of keeping an otter as a pet in Kamarajya, Iraq, and transporting him back to London. The chapter highlights the deep, affectionate bond between humans and animals, showcasing the playful, intelligent, and curious nature of otters. For BSEB Class 10 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, vocabulary, and detailed character analysis. Students must focus on Maxwell's vivid descriptions, the humorous travel incidents, and the behavioral traits of Mijbil to score well in both objective and subjective questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Arrival of Mijbil
Gavin Maxwell receives the otter in a sack from two Arabs in Basra, naming him Mijbil, who initially resembles a small, scaled dragon covered in mud.
Mij's Playful Nature
Mijbil shows an extraordinary obsession with water, inventing his own games with marbles, ping-pong balls, and turning a suitcase into a water slide.
The Journey to London
Transporting Mijbil to England presents major challenges, especially when Maxwell has to pack him into a cardboard box and deal with airline restrictions.
The Flight Incident
Mij escapes from his box during the flight, causing panic among passengers until a sympathetic air hostess helps Maxwell retrieve him.
Public Reaction in London
Londoners show curiosity and confusion about Mijbil, guessing him to be various creatures like a baby seal, squirrel, or even a hippo.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 10 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the text, short-answer questions testing comprehension of travel incidents, and long-answer questions focusing on the theme of animal affection and human-animal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the author name the otter Mijbil?
The author named him Mijbil after a race of otters discovered by zoologists, and he was commonly called 'Mij' for short.
How did Mijbil spend most of his time in the beginning?
Initially, Mijbil spent most of his time sleeping, exploring his new surroundings, and showing an immense fascination with water.
What guesses did the people in London make about Mij?
Londoners made wild guesses, identifying Mij as a baby seal, squirrel, walrus, beaver, bear cub, and even a miniature hippopotamus.
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