Class 10 English Notes Chapter 8 (Mijbil the Otter) – First Flight Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 8, 'Mijbil the Otter' from your 'First Flight' book. This is an interesting autobiographical piece by Gavin Maxwell about his experience raising an otter. It's important not just for its story but also for understanding themes like human-animal relationships and adaptation. Pay close attention to the details, as they are crucial for objective questions in exams.

Chapter 8: Mijbil the Otter - Detailed Notes

Author: Gavin Maxwell

Context: This excerpt is taken from Maxwell's book "Ring of Bright Water". It describes his decision to keep an otter as a pet after the death of his dog, Jonnie, and his experiences bringing the otter, Mijbil, from Iraq to his home in Camusfearna, Scotland.

Summary:

1. The Decision:

   • The narrator is in Basra, Iraq, with a friend. Having recently lost his dog, he expresses a wish to keep an otter instead of another dog.
   • His friend suggests he could get one from the Tigris marshes, where they are supposedly common, like mosquitoes.
   • They arrange for an otter to be sent after the friend leaves and the narrator moves to the Consulate-General.

2. Arrival of Mijbil:

   • Mail delivery is irregular. After delays, the narrator finally receives his otter, delivered in a sack by two Arabs.
   • The otter emerges, covered in mud, resembling a small, medievally conceived dragon.
   • Initially, the otter (later named Mijbil or Mij) is aloof and indifferent but becomes friendly within 24 hours.

3. Mijbil's Habits and Personality:

   • Love for Water: Mijbil takes immense pleasure in water. He discovers the joy of the bathtub, plunging and rolling in it, opening taps, and creating splashes. This highlights the semi-aquatic nature of otters.
   • Playfulness: Mij is highly intelligent and playful. His favourite toys are marbles, which he juggles and plays with expertly on his belly while lying on his back. He also invents games, like playing with a broken suitcase and a ping-pong ball.
   • Intelligence & Curiosity: He quickly learns how to turn on the bathroom tap. He explores his surroundings with intense curiosity.
   • Affection: He develops a bond with the narrator, sleeping in the crook of his knees.
   • Travel: He gets used to travelling in a box the narrator prepares for him.

4. The Journey to London:

   • Challenge: Transporting Mijbil from Basra to London (and then Camusfearna) proves difficult. British Airways refuses to fly animals. The narrator has to book passage on a different airline to Paris, and then from Paris to London.
   • The Box: The airline insists Mijbil travel in a box (not exceeding 18 inches square) placed on the floor near the narrator's feet.
   • Chaos Before Flight: Just before leaving for the airport, the narrator puts Mijbil in the box. An hour later, he finds the box silent and horrifyingly blood-spattered. Mijbil had torn the lining, cutting himself.
   • Airport Delay: The narrator rushes to the airport, delayed by the need to clean the box and tend to Mij. He just makes the flight.
   • In-Flight Incident: The narrator explains the situation to a kind air hostess. He keeps the box near his feet. During the flight, Mijbil escapes the box. He disappears, causing panic and chaos among passengers. The narrator dives after him, eventually finding Mijbil curled up on his lap after being returned by the sympathetic air hostess.

5. Arrival in London:

   • Mijbil has to remain in the box during customs.
   • In London, the otter attracts considerable attention and speculation. People make wild guesses about what kind of animal Mijbil is ("a baby seal," "a squirrel," "a walrus," "a beaver," "a bear cub," "a leopard," etc.). The narrator notes that the most surprising thing is the sheer range of incorrect guesses, highlighting how unfamiliar otters are to the average Londoner.

6. Life in Camusfearna:

   • The final part (briefly alluded to in the excerpt's context) describes Mijbil's life in the West Highlands of Scotland.
   • He has ample space and water to play in, adapting well to his new environment.
   • He develops 'compulsive habits' on walks, like juggling stones or performing rituals along a low school wall, showcasing his intelligence and need for routine/play.

Key Themes:

• Human-Animal Bond: The deep connection and affection that develops between the narrator and Mijbil.
• Adaptation: How both the narrator and Mijbil adapt to challenging situations (travel, new environments).
• Observation of Nature: Maxwell's detailed descriptions of Mijbil's behaviour provide insight into otter characteristics.
• Cultural Differences: The contrast between the casual acceptance of otters in Iraq and the bewildered curiosity in London.
• Challenges of Exotic Pets: The difficulties involved in keeping and transporting non-domesticated animals.
• Humour: The narrative is laced with humorous incidents, especially during the journey and in London.

Character Sketch:

• Narrator (Gavin Maxwell): Observant, patient, caring, determined, resourceful, possesses a deep love for animals. He goes to great lengths for Mijbil.
• Mijbil (Mij): Intelligent, playful, curious, mischievous, adaptable, affectionate (in his own otter way), loves water and specific toys (marbles). Represents the wild adapting to a domestic setting.

Important Details for Exams:

• Location where the otter was acquired: Basra, Iraq (specifically Tigris marshes).
• Mijbil's species: Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli - later named Maxwell's otter).
• Destination: Camusfearna, West Highlands, Scotland (via London and Paris).
• Airline restrictions: British Airways refused animals; another airline allowed Mij in a box at the narrator's feet.
• Mijbil's favourite toy: Marbles.
• Key incidents: Bathroom antics, box escape before flight, chaos on the plane, Londoners' reactions/guesses.
• Mijbil's appearance initially: Like a small dragon.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where did Gavin Maxwell get the otter, Mijbil?
   (a) London Zoo
   (b) Camusfearna, Scotland
   (c) Basra, Iraq
   (d) Paris, France

2. What was Mijbil's favourite toy, which he would juggle while lying on his back?
   (a) A rubber duck
   (b) Marbles
   (c) A ping-pong ball
   (d) Small stones

3. What major difficulty did the narrator face when trying to take Mijbil back home?
   (a) Finding suitable food for Mijbil
   (b) Getting permission from Iraqi authorities
   (c) Transporting Mijbil via airplane
   (d) Teaching Mijbil basic commands

4. According to the airline rules for the flight from Basra, where was Mijbil supposed to be kept?
   (a) In the cargo hold
   (b) On the narrator's lap
   (c) In a cage provided by the airline
   (d) In a box placed on the floor near the narrator's feet

5. What caused chaos during the flight from Basra to Paris?
   (a) Mijbil became sick
   (b) The box containing Mijbil broke open
   (c) Mijbil escaped from his box
   (d) The narrator argued with the flight crew

6. How did the people in London react upon seeing Mijbil?
   (a) With fear and panic
   (b) With indifference
   (c) With curiosity and making wild guesses about his species
   (d) They immediately identified him as an otter

7. Which place did Mijbil particularly enjoy exploring and playing in, soon after arriving at the narrator's place in Basra?
   (a) The garden
   (b) The kitchen
   (c) The narrator's bedroom
   (d) The bathroom

8. What name was given to the specific race of otter discovered, named after the author?
   (a) Tigris Otter
   (b) Maxwell's Otter
   (c) Basra Otter
   (d) Camusfearna Otter

9. What did Mijbil resemble when he first emerged from the sack in Basra?
   (a) A large rat
   (b) A small, chocolate-brown beaver
   (c) A very small, medievally conceived dragon
   (d) A wet squirrel

10. What 'compulsive habit' did Mijbil develop during walks near Camusfearna involving a school wall?
    (a) Chasing the schoolchildren
    (b) Hiding behind the wall
    (c) A ritualistic run along its length, touching specific posts
    (d) Digging holes near the wall

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. (c) Basra, Iraq
2. (b) Marbles
3. (c) Transporting Mijbil via airplane
4. (d) In a box placed on the floor near the narrator's feet
5. (c) Mijbil escaped from his box
6. (c) With curiosity and making wild guesses about his species
7. (d) The bathroom
8. (b) Maxwell's Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli)
9. (c) A very small, medievally conceived dragon
10. (c) A ritualistic run along its length, touching specific posts

Study these notes carefully. Remember the sequence of events, Mijbil's unique characteristics, and the challenges faced by the narrator. Good luck with your preparation!