Class 10 English - HARYANA
Prose: Mijbil the Otter
Mijbil the Otter by Gavin Maxwell is an engaging autobiographical account of the author's experience keeping an otter as a pet in a London flat. The chapter highlights the bond between humans and animals, showcasing Mijbil's playful, intelligent, and curious nature. For Haryana (BSEH) board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis of the author and Mijbil, and the ability to interpret descriptive prose. Students must focus on key events like Mijbil's journey from Iraq to London and his fascinating habits, especially his obsession with water and ball games.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Author's Decision to Keep an Otter
After his pet dog Jonnie died, Gavin Maxwell felt lonely and decided to keep an otter instead of a dog while living in the marshes of Tigris in Iraq.
Naming and Characteristics of Mijbil
The author named his otter Mijbil, belonging to a previously unknown race of otters scientifically named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. Mijbil was intelligent, friendly, and loved inventing his own games, especially with marbles and water.
The Air Travel Crisis
Transporting Mijbil from Iraq to London presented major challenges because airlines did not allow pets loose. Mijbil had to be packed into a small sack, which caused him distress and resulted in blood oozing out, shocking the author upon opening it.
Mijbil's Antics in London
In London, Mijbil developed unique habits like walking on a lead like a dog, fixing his attention on an upper wall of a classroom, and playing joyfully in the bathtub, splashing water everywhere.
Public Reactions to Mijbil
People in London had never seen an otter and made wild guesses about his identity, mistaking him for a baby seal, a squirrel, a hippo, a beaver, or even a brontosaurus.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 10 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the text, character sketches of Mijbil, long descriptive questions about the journey to London, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) regarding specific incidents and details from the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the otter named 'Mijbil'?
The otter was named 'Mijbil' by the author, and it was also given a shortened pet name 'Mij' by the local Arabs in Iraq.
What happened to Mijbil on the flight to London?
Mijbil was put in a small sack. He became frightened, tore open the lining of the box, and tried to escape, resulting in him getting covered in blood before the author managed to calm him down.
What did the people of London think Mijbil was?
Londoners were unfamiliar with otters and made hilarious guesses, ranging from a baby seal and a squirrel to a beaver, a bear cub, and even a prehistoric brontosaurus.
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