1
Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Referring to the passage, explain why this decision is considered a "serious responsibility" and a "lifetime of commitment." 3marks
2
Describe the initial appearance of Mijbil when he emerged from the sack. What details does Maxwell use to paint this picture? 2marks
3
Explain Mijbil's behaviour during the first twenty-four hours after his arrival. What words in the text indicate his initial feelings? 2marks
4
What did Mijbil do on the second night that marked a change in his behaviour towards Maxwell? 1mark
5
Describe Mijbil's reaction to water. What does this reveal about the nature of otters? 2marks
6
How did Mijbil manage to operate the taps in the bathroom? What does this incident suggest about his intelligence? 2marks
7
Maxwell mentions that Mijbil had a "very keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings." Provide two examples from the text that illustrate this keen interest. 2marks
8
Explain the game Mij invented using a ping-pong ball and a damaged suitcase. How does this demonstrate his playful nature? 3marks
9
Describe Mij's "compulsive habits" on his walks in the London streets. How do these compare to the habits of school children? 3marks
10
Maxwell faced a "continuous barrage of conjectural questions" from Londoners regarding Mij's identity. List at least five incorrect guesses made by the public. 2marks
11
Maxwell describes Mij's appearance as a "medievally-conceived dragon." What specific physical characteristics contribute to this description? 2marks
12
How did Mijbil escape from the box during the flight to London? What was the immediate consequence of his escape? 2marks
13
Describe the interaction between Maxwell, the air hostess, and Mijbil on the aeroplane. What profound admiration did Maxwell retain for the air hostess? 3marks
14
Maxwell states, "I have retained the most profound admiration for that air hostess; she was the very queen of her kind." Explain the context and reasoning behind this statement. 3marks
15
What were the challenges Maxwell faced in transporting Mijbil to England via air travel? 3marks
16
How did Maxwell ensure Mijbil was comfortable and safe during the flight, despite the airline's restrictions? 2marks
17
The text mentions that otters are found in "large numbers in the marshes near Basra." How does this piece of information contribute to understanding the origin of Mijbil? 2marks
18
Maxwell writes, "It is, in effect, a thraldom to being under the control of otters..." Explain what he means by "thraldom" in the context of owning an otter. 2marks
19
Describe the "random guesses" made by Londoners about Mij's identity. Which guess did Maxwell find particularly amusing, and why? 2marks
20
Why was the otter eventually christened 'Maxwell's otter'? What does this naming signify? 2marks
Answers
1
The passage states that owning a pet is a "lifetime of commitment" and a "serious responsibility." Maxwell's decision to keep an otter as a pet was a commitment because otters are wild animals that require specialized care, a suitable environment, and constant attention. It was a responsibility because their natural instincts, like their need for water and play, needed to be accommodated. Maxwell himself experienced the difficulties and the extensive effort involved in ensuring Mijbil's well-being, from taming him to transporting him safely, highlighting the significant undertaking.
2
When Mijbil emerged from the sack, he resembled a "very small, medievally-conceived dragon." He was coated with "symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour," and between these scales, a "soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole" was visible.
3
For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was "neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent." He chose to sleep "as far from my bed as possible," indicating a cautious and reserved initial disposition.
4
On the second night, Mijbil came onto Maxwell's bed in the "small hours" and slept in the crook of his knees until morning. This action marked a significant shift from his initial indifference.
5
Mijbil reacted to water with "wild with joy." He would spend half an hour plunging, rolling, and shooting underwater in the bathtub, making a great deal of noise and splashing. This reveals that otters have a natural and intense affinity for water, requiring it to be in constant motion.
6
Mijbil fumbled at the chromium taps with his paws, managing to turn the tap to produce a trickle and then a full flow of water. This shows his intelligence and ability to learn and manipulate objects in his environment.
7
Two examples of Mijbil's keen interest are: (i) his active engagement with his surroundings after the first day, and (ii) his fascination with playing with a rubber ball, treating it like a soccer player.
8
Mij invented a game where he would place a ping-pong ball on the high end of a sloped suitcase. The ball would then run down, and Mij would dash to the other end to "ambush its arrival," hiding and then springing to attack it, before taking it back to the high end to repeat the process. This demonstrates his intelligence, playfulness, and ability to create his own entertainment.
9
Mij's compulsive habits included tugging Maxwell towards a low wall opposite his flat, jumping onto it, and galloping its entire length on his way home from walks. This distracted the pupils and staff at the school. Similar to school children who have rituals like placing their feet on specific paving blocks or touching every seventh railing, Mij had a specific behaviour he would perform during his walks.
10
The incorrect guesses made by Londoners about Mij's identity included: a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard, and a 'brontosaur'.
11
The "medievally-conceived dragon" description stems from Mijbil's covering of "symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour" and the soft, dark fur visible between them, reminiscent of mythical dragon imagery.
12
Mijbil escaped from the box by tearing the lining to shreds and wriggling out. The immediate consequence was that he was "exhausted and blood-spattered" and Maxwell had to quickly place him back in the box, holding down the lid by hand.
13
On the aeroplane, Mijbil escaped the box and ran down the aisle, causing panic and screams. Maxwell, with the help of the air hostess, managed to retrieve Mijbil. The air hostess was described as being like a "queen of her kind" because of her understanding and calm handling of the situation, suggesting to Maxwell that he keep Mijbil on his lap, which allowed for a more peaceful journey.
14
Maxwell calls the air hostess "the very queen of her kind" because of her exceptional kindness, composure, and resourcefulness when faced with the chaotic situation of Mijbil escaping on the plane. Instead of panicking or being angry, she calmly offered a solution that helped Maxwell manage his pet and ensured a smoother journey for everyone.
15
The airline Maxwell booked for Paris to London "would not fly animals." He was also forced to pack Mijbil into a small box (18 inches square) which was to be carried on the floor at his feet. This restriction and the airline's policy presented significant challenges.
16
Maxwell took precautions by having a box made and putting Mijbil in it an hour before the flight to help him get accustomed. He also gave the air hostess a parcel of fish for Mij to keep in a cool place and later asked if Mij could be on his lap.
17
The information about otters being common in the marshes of Basra explains how Maxwell was able to obtain Mijbil. His friend suggested getting one from the Tigris marshes because they were abundant there and often tamed by Arabs, making it a plausible location for acquiring an otter.
18
In this context, "thraldom" refers to a state of being completely captivated or controlled by otters. Maxwell felt a deep attachment and fascination that consumed his life, making him feel subservient to the whims and needs of otters, an obsession he found others who owned otters also shared.
19
The random guesses included 'a baby seal', 'a squirrel', 'a walrus', 'a hippo', 'a beaver', 'a bear cub', 'a leopard', and 'a brontosaur'. Maxwell found the guess of "a walrus, mister?" particularly amusing, which made him giggle.
20
The otter was eventually christened 'Maxwell's otter' because it was discovered to be of a race previously unknown to science. Zoologists named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, honouring Maxwell for his discovery and perhaps his dedicated care of this unique specimen.
