Chapter 6 – Mijbil the Otter
By Gavin Maxwell
Oral Comprehension Check
Page 103
Q1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Answer:
Maxwell thought his home at Camusfearna (in Scotland) would be suitable for keeping an otter instead of a dog as a pet.
Q2. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?
Answer:
He went to Basra to collect and transport an otter. He had to wait for several days for his mail to arrive, which was delayed.
Q3. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the words that tell you this.
Answer:
A friend sent Maxwell an otter from the Tigris marshes. At first, it was shy and covered in mud, but soon Maxwell grew fond of it. Words like “a small creature like a kitten”, “beautiful face”, and “charming” show his affection.
Q4. Why was the otter named ‘Mijbil’?
Answer:
The otter belonged to a species called Maxwell’s Otter, found in Iraq. He shortened it affectionately to “Mijbil” or “Mij.”
Page 106
Q1. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What was the effect on him?
Answer:
Mijbil was overjoyed in the water. He plunged, rolled, and splashed playfully. This revealed the otter’s natural love for water.
Q2. How did Mijbil behave in the water?
Answer:
He played endlessly, floating, plunging, and rolling as if water was his natural home. He invented games with water, expressing pure joy.
Q3. How did Mijbil get along with other animals?
Answer:
Mijbil was friendly but mischievous. He often created curiosity among dogs but did not harm or get harmed.
Page 108
Q1. How did Maxwell travel to England?
Answer:
He travelled by air, from Basra to Paris, then to London.
Q2. What did Mijbil do to the box?
Answer:
The airline required Mijbil to be carried in a box. In anger, Mijbil tore the box apart, wrecking its interior.
Q3. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you think he felt when he did this?
Answer:
He put Mijbil back into the box to meet airline regulations. Maxwell felt guilty, worried, and heartbroken to hear Mijbil’s distress.
Q4. Why does Maxwell say the air hostess was “the very queen of her kind”?
Answer:
The air hostess kindly understood his problem and allowed Mijbil to sit on Maxwell’s knees during the flight.
Q5. What happened when the box was opened?
Answer:
Mijbil leapt out, ran through the plane, causing chaos among passengers, before being coaxed back.
✦ Thinking about the Text
Q1. Why is Mijbil described as “a wild creature of marshes”?
Answer:
Because Mijbil belonged to the species found in the Tigris marshes, his instincts were wild, and he was naturally adapted to life in water and marshlands.
Q2. What are the examples of Mijbil’s playfulness?
Answer:
-
Playing with water in the bathroom.
-
Inventing games with marbles.
-
Running and frolicking in the house.
-
Chasing things with endless energy.
Q3. What is the significance of the relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil?
Answer:
It shows how love, patience, and care can tame even a wild animal. Their bond reflects companionship, trust, and joy.
Extra Questions & Answers
Short Answer
-
Why did Maxwell want an otter instead of a dog?
Because he wanted a unique pet that would suit the environment of Camusfearna, surrounded by water. -
What problem arose at the airport?
The airline insisted Mijbil be caged in a box, which distressed the otter and caused trouble during the flight. -
How did passengers react when Mijbil ran through the plane?
They were shocked and frightened, but later amused by his antics.
Long Answer
Q. How does the story show the bond between humans and animals?
The story highlights the deep bond of love and trust between Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil. Though Mijbil was a wild creature, Maxwell’s care transformed him into a loyal and playful companion. Mijbil’s joy in water, his playful nature, and his trust in Maxwell reveal how animals reciprocate affection. Even in stressful situations, such as the plane journey, Maxwell’s worry and the air hostess’s kindness reflect human compassion for animals. The story suggests that animals, if treated with patience and love, can become true friends. It celebrates companionship beyond species, reminding us of the harmony possible between humans and nature.
Summary of Mijbil the Otter
The story narrates Gavin Maxwell’s experiences with his pet otter, Mijbil. Maxwell, living in Camusfearna, Scotland, wished to keep an otter as a pet. In Basra, Iraq, a friend sent him an otter from the Tigris marshes. At first shy, the otter soon won Maxwell’s heart with its charm and playfulness. He named it Mijbil.
Mijbil’s natural love for water was evident when Maxwell let him into the bathroom. He splashed, dived, and played endlessly. At home, he invented games, especially rolling marbles, showing intelligence and curiosity.
When Maxwell had to return to England, difficulties arose. The airline insisted Mijbil be kept in a box. Distressed, Mijbil tore the box apart. During the flight, he escaped, ran through the plane, and caused chaos, amusing the passengers. Fortunately, a kind air hostess allowed Mijbil to stay on Maxwell’s knee for the rest of the journey.
Back in London, Mijbil became a celebrity. He accompanied Maxwell everywhere, making people curious and sometimes astonished. Their bond reflected trust, joy, and companionship.
The story conveys a message about the close relationship humans can share with animals. It celebrates love, patience, and care as bridges between species.
Biography of Gavin Maxwell
Gavin Maxwell (1914–1969) was a Scottish naturalist, writer, and adventurer, best remembered for his book Ring of Bright Water, which recounts his life with otters in Scotland.
Born on 15 July 1914 in Elrig, Scotland, Maxwell belonged to a military family. He studied at Stowe School and later at Oxford University. After serving in World War II, he turned to writing and exploring.
Maxwell travelled widely, including to the Middle East. It was during one of his visits to Iraq that he acquired an otter, which became the inspiration for his famous works. Returning to Scotland, he settled in Camusfearna, a remote coastal home, where he lived closely with nature.
His masterpiece, Ring of Bright Water (1960), sold over a million copies and was later adapted into a film. It brought public attention to otters and conservation. Maxwell’s deep affection for wildlife and his lyrical prose made him a beloved writer.
Despite his achievements, Maxwell faced personal struggles, including financial difficulties and declining health. He died of cancer on 7 September 1969.
Today, Gavin Maxwell is remembered as a pioneer in nature writing. His works blend adventure, natural history, and personal reflection, inspiring generations to appreciate and protect wildlife.