Class 10 English - ODISHA
Prose: Mijbil the Otter
Mijbil the Otter is a captivating prose piece by Gavin Maxwell from the Class 10 English curriculum for Odisha (BSE) students. The chapter narrates the author's journey of transporting his pet otter, Mijbil, from Basra to London. It highlights the unique traits of otters, the deep emotional bond between humans and animals, and the challenges of pet care during international travel. For BSE board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding. Students must focus on descriptive details, specific incidents during the flight, and the author's affectionate portrayal of Mijbil's playful nature.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Origin of Mijbil
Gavin Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet after his pet dog Jonnie dies, and a friend suggests getting an otter from the Tigris marshes in Iraq.
Characteristics of Otters
Otters belong to a relatively unknown group of animals called Mustellines, resembling miniature dragons and possessing an extreme, obsessive love for water.
The Air Travel Incident
Traveling with Mijbil to London poses major challenges, especially when the box breaks during the flight, causing panic among passengers and showcasing Mijbil's intelligence and mischief.
Mijbil's Playful Habits
Mijbil invents his own games, such as juggling with marbles and turning a suitcase into a sloping slide, displaying high energy and curiosity.
The 'What is that?' Creature
Upon reaching London, people struggle to identify Mijbil, guessing him to be an animal like a baby seal, squirrel, or even a hippo, highlighting how unfamiliar otters are to the general public.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Questions commonly include short-answer questions about plot details, long-answer questions focusing on character traits of Mijbil, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) regarding specific incidents from the text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gavin Maxwell choose an otter as a pet?
After the death of his pet dog Jonnie, Maxwell felt lonely and was inspired by his friend to experience the joy of keeping an otter, an unusual and fascinating creature.
What did the average Londoner think Mijbil was?
Londoners were completely unfamiliar with otters and guessed Mijbil to be a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a beaver, or even a miniaturized hippopotamus.
How did Mijbil behave during the flight to London?
Mijbil escaped from his box during the flight, causing chaos and panic in the cabin before Maxwell managed to catch him with the help of a sympathetic air hostess.
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