ᒪEᗩᖇᑎIᑎG ᒍᑌᑎᑕTIOᑎ
CBSE
CLASS 10 ENGLISH
FIRST FLIGHT✈️
CHAPTER 8:MIJBIL THE OTTER
SUMMARY
➤Summary:
In this chapter, Gavin Maxwell narrates his encounter with a young otter named Mijbil. He was stationed in Iraq, working on an irrigation project, when a friend presented him with an otter cub. Gavin was initially hesitant to keep the otter as a pet, but he soon developed a bond with Mijbil and decided to take him home.
Gavin describes Mijbil's mischievous nature and his playful antics. Mijbil enjoyed playing with stones and climbing on the furniture. However, he also had a wild side and frequently escaped into the marshes, leading Gavin on many adventures to find him.
The author portrays the otter's unique personality and the challenges of keeping him in a domestic setting. Mijbil's curious and intelligent nature often caused trouble but also brought joy to Gavin's life. Eventually, Mijbil grew up and had to be sent to a zoo, where he could live a more suitable life among his own kind.
➤Key Points:
1. Gavin Maxwell receives an otter cub named Mijbil as a gift.
2. He develops a close bond with Mijbil and decides to keep him as a pet.
3. Mijbil is mischievous and playful, often causing trouble around the house.
4. The otter frequently escapes into the marshes, leading Gavin on adventures to find him.
5. Mijbil's wild nature poses challenges in domestication.
6. Eventually, Mijbil is sent to a zoo to live with other otters.
👨Character Analysis:
1. Gavin Maxwell: The author and protagonist who receives Mijbil as a pet. He develops a strong bond with the otter and narrates their experiences.
2. Mijbil: The otter cub who becomes Gavin's pet. Mijbil is playful, mischievous, and has a curious nature.
=❯Important Quotes:
1. "He was an impudent, frowsy, little creature, with an air of having been educated in the gutters of Basra."
2. "His sharp, high-pitched screams rose above the beating of the rain on the roof and the cries of the water birds outside."
=❯Themes:
1. The bond between humans and animals: The chapter explores the deep connection formed between Gavin and Mijbil, emphasizing the emotional and intellectual capabilities of animals.
2. Nature and domestication: The contrast between Mijbil's wild instincts and the attempts to domesticate him highlights the challenges and limitations of keeping wild animals as pets.
=❯Word meanings:
1. Mischievous: Playfully causing trouble or annoyance.
2. Antics: Playful or mischievous behavior.
3. Irrigation: The process of supplying water to land to help crops grow.
4. Domestication: The process of adapting wild animals to live with and be of use to humans.
5. Curious: Eager to know or learn something.
6. Impudent: Disrespectfully bold or arrogant.
7. Frowsy: Untidy or scruffy in appearance.
=❯FAQ WITH SOLUTIONS
Q1. Why did Gavin hesitate to keep Mijbil as a pet?
ANSWER: Gavin was initially hesitant to keep Mijbil as a pet because he felt it was unnatural to keep a wild animal in captivity.
Q2. How did Gavin develop a bond with Mijbil?
ANSWER: Gavin developed a bond with Mijbil by spending time with him, observing his behavior, and caring for him.
Q3. What were some of Mijbil's mischievous antics?
ANSWER: Mijbil enjoyed playing with stones and climbing on the furniture. He also frequently escaped into the marshes.
Q4. Why did Mijbil have to be sent to a zoo?
ANSWER: Mijbil had to be sent to a zoo because as he grew up, his wild nature made it difficult for him to adapt to domestic life. The zoo provided a more suitable environment for other otters.
Q5. What challenges did Gavin face in keeping Mijbil as a pet?
ANSWER: Gavin faced challenges in domesticating Mijbil due to his wild instincts, mischievous behavior, and frequent escapes.
Q6. How did Mijbil's presence bring joy to Gavin's life?
ANSWER: Mijbil's playful nature and companionship brought joy to Gavin's life. Despite the challenges, the otter's antics provided entertainment and created a unique bond.
Q7. What does the otter's escape into the marshes signify?
ANSWER: Mijbil's escapes into the marshes signify his innate wildness and desire for freedom. It also highlights the struggle to balance the natural instincts of wild animals with domestication.
Q8. How does the author describe Mijbil's personality?
ANSWER: The author describes Mijbil as mischievous, curious, and has a unique personality that sets him apart from domesticated animals.
Q9. Why did Gavin decide to keep Mijbil as a pet?
ANSWER: Gavin decided to keep Mijbil as a pet because he developed a bond with the otter and saw the potential for a unique companionship.
Q10. What message does the chapter convey about the relationship between humans and animals?
ANSWER: The chapter conveys the message that humans can form deep emotional bonds with animals, but it also highlights the challenges and ethical considerations of domesticating wild animals.
⭐These FAQs should help you understand the chapter and its various aspects in more detail.
