Mijbil the Otter — Notes

Summary

The Decision to Keep an Otter

Gavin Maxwell, grieving his dog's death, considers keeping an otter instead of a dog. His friend suggests getting one from the Tigris marshes in Iraq, where they are common. Maxwell, awaiting mail in Basra, finds himself delayed by communication issues and his friend's departure.

Mijbil's Arrival

After five days, Maxwell's mail arrives, accompanied by two Arabs and a squirming sack. Inside is an otter, which Maxwell names Mijbil. Initially, Mijbil is aloof and indifferent, sleeping far from Maxwell. However, the second night, Mijbil sleeps on Maxwell's bed and begins to show interest in his surroundings.

Mijbil's Adaptability and Playfulness

Maxwell makes a body-belt for Mijbil and takes him to the bathroom, where the otter revels in the water, splashing and rolling. Maxwell learns that otters instinctively spread water around. Two days later, Mijbil escapes his room and figures out how to turn on the bathtub taps, demonstrating remarkable intelligence. He soon follows Maxwell without a lead and comes when called, enjoying games like shuffling a rubber ball and juggling marbles on his belly.

The Journey to London

Maxwell dreads transporting Mijbil to England. The British airline refuses animals, so he books a flight to Paris with another airline. The airline insists Mijbil be crated in a box no larger than eighteen inches square. This causes distress; Mijbil injures himself, tearing the box lining and bleeding. Maxwell rushes Mijbil to the airport, holding the box lid down.

An Eventful Flight

On the plane, Maxwell gives the air hostess fish for Mijbil and explains the situation. The air hostess is exceptionally helpful. Mijbil escapes the box and darts down the aisle, causing panic among passengers. After a chase, Mijbil returns to Maxwell, nuzzling his face and neck.

Life in London

In London, Mijbil adapts to a new environment, playing with toys like ping-pong balls, marbles, and a terrapin shell. He invents a game using a sloped suitcase. On walks, Mijbil develops compulsive habits, like galloping along a low wall outside a school, distracting the pupils and staff.

Londoners' Guesses

Maxwell observes that most Londoners do not recognize an otter. They make a variety of guesses, including "a baby seal," "a squirrel," "a walrus," "a hippo," "a beaver," "a bear cub," and even "a brontosaur." One labourer, affronted by the unusual sight, demands to know what the animal is supposed to be.

Mijbil as Maxwell's Otter

The species of otter Mijbil belongs to was previously unknown to science. It was eventually named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter, in his honour. The story highlights Mijbil's intelligence, playful nature, and the strong bond formed between him and Maxwell, despite the challenges of keeping such an unusual pet.

Remember

The narrative emphasizes the otter's unique nature and the author's deep affection for his pet, portraying Mijbil as an intelligent and engaging companion. 🎯 Exam-smart: Expect questions asking to describe Mijbil's personality, his reactions to water and toys, the challenges of transporting him, or the amusing guesses Londoners made about his identity. The narrative style, focusing on Maxwell's observations and feelings, is key.

Gavin Maxwell

The narrator and protagonist of the story. He is a writer who lives in a cottage in Camusfearna, Scotland.

• Observant and Detail-Oriented: Maxwell meticulously describes Mij's appearance, actions, and habits. For example, he notes Mij's "symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour" and his "soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole."
• Affectionate and Caring: Despite the difficulties, Maxwell deeply cares for Mij and ensures his well-being. He makes a body-belt for Mij, takes him for walks, and is devastated when Mij is injured during the flight. He states, "I had a box made, and an hour before we started, I put Mij into the box so that he would become accustomed to it, and left for a hurried meal. When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle."
• Adventurous and Open to New Experiences: Maxwell is willing to keep an otter as a pet, a highly unusual choice. He undertakes the challenging journey to bring Mij from Iraq to London, adapting to unexpected situations.
• Humorous and Appreciative: He finds humour in Mij's antics and the reactions of others, particularly the guesses Londoners make about Mij's species. He appreciates the kindness of the air hostess, calling her "the very queen of her kind."

Maxwell does not significantly change by the end of the story; he remains a devoted and observant owner of his unusual pet.

Mij (The Otter)

The otter who becomes Gavin Maxwell's pet.

• Intelligent and Playful: Mij quickly learns and engages in various games. He invents a game with a ping-pong ball and a sloping suitcase and juggles marbles on his belly.
• Affectionate and Needy: After initial aloofness, Mij becomes very attached to Maxwell, sleeping on his bed and nuzzling his face. Maxwell describes this as "a distressed chitter of recognition and welcome."
• Curious and Energetic: Mij shows a "keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings." He is particularly fascinated by water, turning on taps and splashing exuberantly.
• Adaptable: Mij adjusts to new environments, from the Consulate bedroom to the aeroplane and Maxwell's flat in London.

Remember

Mij's species, previously unknown to science, is named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli after Maxwell, highlighting his significant role in bringing this animal to scientific attention.

Exam-smart

An extract might describe Mij's actions (e.g., playing with the ball, turning the tap). You would be asked to infer his traits like intelligence, playfulness, or curiosity based on these actions, providing direct quotes as evidence. For instance, "He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player" shows his playfulness and skill.

Other characters

• The two Arabs: They deliver Mij to Maxwell in Basra, placing him in a squirming sack.
• The friend: He casually suggests Maxwell get an otter from the Tigris marshes.
• The Consulate-General staff: They facilitate Maxwell's stay in Basra.
• The airline staff and officials: They are mostly uncooperative during the stressful journey to London, with the exception of the air hostess.
• The air hostess: She shows remarkable kindness and understanding towards Maxwell and Mij during the flight to London, earning Maxwell's profound admiration.
• The Londoners: Various people in London who encounter Mij and make wild guesses about his species, ranging from a baby seal to a walrus or a brontosaur.

Themes and Message

The Unconventional Nature of Companionship

The text explores the idea that companionship can be found in unexpected places and with unconventional partners. Maxwell's decision to keep an otter, rather than a dog, highlights his openness to a different kind of relationship. The deep bond he forms with Mij, despite Mij being a wild animal, demonstrates that affection and understanding transcend species. This is shown when Mij becomes "very far from my bed as possible" initially, but later sleeps on Maxwell's knee, and when Maxwell expresses profound admiration for the air hostess's kindness, implying a shared human capacity for empathy.

The Joys and Challenges of Pet Ownership

The story vividly portrays both the rewards and difficulties associated with owning a pet, especially a wild one. Mij's playful antics, his invention of games with the ping-pong ball and suitcase, and his "gallop the full length of its thirty yards" along the school wall, bring joy and amusement to Maxwell and others. However, the challenges are significant: the dreaded prospect of transporting Mij to England, the appalling spectacle of Mij bleeding inside the box, Mij's escape on the aircraft, and the constant conjectural questions from Londoners about his identity, all underscore the immense responsibility and effort involved. The SPCA's advice, included in the "Before You Read" section, also emphasizes the commitment and careful consideration required for pet ownership.

The Human Need for Connection and Affection

The narrative implicitly addresses the human need for connection. Maxwell's loneliness after his dog's death prompts him to seek a pet. His eventual "thraldom" to Mij, an "otter fixation," suggests a deep emotional investment and reliance on the otter for companionship. Mij's own actions, like nudging Maxwell's face and neck, demonstrate his reciprocal affection and need for closeness, signifying that love and belonging are fundamental to both humans and animals.

The Uniqueness of Individual Creatures

The story celebrates the individuality and uniqueness of Mij. He is described as "a race previously unknown to science," later christened "Maxwell’s otter." His specific games, like the suitcase trick, and his peculiar habits on London streets, such as touching every seventh upright of iron railings, highlight that each creature has its own distinct personality and behaviours. This uniqueness makes Mij an object of fascination for Londoners, who offer a "variety of guesses" about his identity, ranging from a "baby seal" to a "brontosaur."

Why the Title

The title "Mijbil the Otter" is a direct and simple introduction to the central character of the story. It immediately tells the reader who the protagonist is. The choice of the name "Mijbil" and identifying him as an "otter" signals that the narrative will focus on the relationship between the author and this specific animal, and the experiences they share. The title is not metaphorical but factual, setting the stage for a personal and observational account.

Tone and Mood

The tone of the narrative is primarily affectionate, observational, and gently humorous. Maxwell writes about Mij with evident fondness, often finding amusement in his otter's actions. There is a sense of wonder and surprise at Mij's intelligence and behaviour, particularly during the aeroplane journey and his interactions with the environment. The mood shifts throughout the story. It begins with a sense of loneliness and resignation for Maxwell, moves to excitement and curiosity with Mij's arrival, becomes anxious and tense during the transport to London, and finally settles into a mood of contentment, amusement, and deep affection as their life together in London unfolds.

The Message

The underlying message is that connection and understanding can be found in the most unexpected relationships. It suggests that with patience, observation, and affection, even wild animals can form deep bonds with humans, bringing unique joys and enriching lives. The story also implicitly advocates for responsible pet ownership and an appreciation for the natural world and its diverse creatures.

Remember

The text emphasizes that otters are water-loving animals whose natural behaviour involves spreading water around. This is a key characteristic to recall.

Exam-smart

An extract might describe Mij's water play or his unusual habits on the London streets. Questions could ask about the implications of these behaviours for pet ownership or what they reveal about the otter's nature and the author's relationship with him. For instance, a question might present Mij's actions at the bathtub and ask: "What does Mij’s behaviour in the bathroom reveal about otters and his relationship with the author?" Your answer should link his actions to the inherent nature of otters and Maxwell's growing understanding and affection.

Language and Literary Devices

Mijbil the Otter

Style and Point of View

The story is told in the first-person point of view by Gavin Maxwell himself. This personal narrative allows the reader direct access to his thoughts, feelings, and observations about Mij. The tone is largely affectionate, humorous, and at times, a little exasperated, particularly during the difficult journey. Maxwell uses descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring both Mij and his experiences to life, making the reader feel as though they are present. His style is engaging and often reflective, balancing factual accounts with personal reflections on the nature of pets and the bond between humans and animals.

Remember

The first-person narrative is crucial for understanding the author's emotional connection to Mij and his perspective on the otter's unique behaviour.

Exam-smart

An extract might describe Mij's actions, and you'll be asked to identify the author's feelings or the literary devices used to portray those actions (e.g., "What emotions does Maxwell convey through the description of Mij playing with the ping-pong ball?"). You might also be asked to explain the effect of a simile or metaphor.

The Fog (Poem)

Style and Point of View

This poem uses free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. The style is minimalist and evocative. The point of view is observational, presenting the fog as a singular entity without direct human emotion, yet imbuing it with feline characteristics. The poet's choice of comparing the fog to a cat is central, using its stealthy, quiet, and observant nature to describe the fog's arrival and presence. The language is simple but effective in creating a clear and memorable image.

Remember

Free verse relies heavily on imagery and carefully chosen words to create its effect, rather than on rhyme and rhythm.

Exam-smart

A question might provide the poem and ask: "Explain the central comparison in the poem and how the poet creates this comparison." You would focus on the cat-like qualities attributed to the fog.

Vocabulary

Language work in the chapter

I. Describing a Repeated Action in the Past: This section explains how to use would and used to to talk about actions that happened regularly in the past but do not happen anymore.

• would and used to can both be used for repeated actions.
• Example: "Mij would follow me without a lead..." (Action)
• Example: "He used to tease me when Mother was not around." (Action)
• Only used to can be used for repeated states or situations in the past.
• Example: "When we were young, we used to believe there were ghosts in school." (State of mind)
• Example: "Thirty years ago, more women used to be housewives than now." (Situation)

II. Noun Modifiers: This section explains how words or phrases can be used to describe or give more information about a noun.

• Adjectives or adjectival phrases:
• Example: "An eminently suitable spot" (Adjective + Noun)
• Example: "His wide, flat belly" (Adjective + Adjective + Noun)
• Nouns used as modifiers:
• Example: "The dinner party" (Noun + Noun)
• Example: "A silk designer dress" (Noun + Noun + Noun)
• Proper nouns can also be used as modifiers:
• Example: "The Maruti car keys" (Proper Noun + Noun + Noun)
• Sometimes, an adjectival phrase is placed in front of a noun modifier:
• Example: "The lovely Christmas party" (Adjective + Proper Noun + Noun)

III. Phrases Indicating Quantity: This section focuses on phrases used to describe a particular quantity of something, often when it's not usually countable.

• Phrases like "a cloud of dust" are used to give a picture of a large quantity.
• Example: "He shook himself, and I half expected a cloud of dust."
• Other examples include:
• a bit of land
• a drop of blood
• a pinch of salt
• a piece of paper

Remember

Confusing the usage of 'would' and 'used to' for states vs. actions in the past is a common error. Always remember 'used to' is for both, but 'would' is only for actions.

Exam-smart

Expect questions that ask you to identify the grammatical structure or meaning of phrases. For instance, you might be given a sentence like, "He faced a barrage of questions," and asked to explain what "barrage" implies in this context, or to identify the type of noun modifier in "iron railings."

Questions and Answers

Textbook questions

• Maxwell's experiment: Maxwell thought Camusfearna would be suitable for an experiment of keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog.

• Reason for going to Basra and wait: Maxwell went to Basra to collect and answer his mail from Europe at the Consulate-General. He waited for five days because his mail had not arrived, and there were repeated phone line and exchange issues.

• Getting the otter and his feelings: He received the otter from two Arabs who handed him a note from his friend. Initially, Maxwell felt it was a phase of thraldom, an otter fixation he later found others shared.

• Naming of 'Maxwell's otter': The otter was of a race previously unknown to science and was christened Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli by zoologists, meaning Maxwell's otter.

• Initial behaviour of the otter: In the beginning, the otter was aloof and indifferent.

• Mijbil in the bathroom: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, he went wild with joy in the water, plunging, rolling, and making a lot of splash. Two days later, Mijbil escaped and turned the bathroom tap to produce a trickle of water.

• Transport to England: Mijbil was to be transported to England in a box not more than eighteen inches square, to be carried on the floor at Maxwell's feet on an airline flying to Paris, and then to London.

• Mijbil's reaction to the box: Mijbil tore the lining of the box to shreds, becoming exhausted and blood-spattered in his attempt to escape.

• Putting Mijbil back in the box: Maxwell put Mijbil back in the box and held down the lid with his hand, feeling miserable, as they were short of time for the flight.

• Praise for the air hostess: Maxwell calls the air hostess "the very queen of her kind" because she showed profound admiration and understanding, suggesting Mij could be on his lap and helping him with the fish.

• Opening the box on the plane: When the box was opened, Mijbil was out in a flash, causing panic among passengers who thought it was a rat. He then nuzzled Maxwell's face and neck.

• Mijbil's invented game: Mijbil invented a game with a ping-pong ball on a damaged suitcase; he would place the ball on the high end, let it run down, and then dash to the other end to ambush its arrival.

• Compulsive habits:

• School children: Compulsive habits include placing feet squarely on the centre of each paving block, touching every seventh upright of iron railings, or passing to the outside of every second lamp post on their way to school.

• Mijbil: On his way home, Mijbil would tug Maxwell to a low wall, jump on it, and gallop its full length, distracting the pupils and staff.

• Animal group of otters: Otters belong to the Mustellines group, which also includes the badger, mongoose, weasel, and stoat.

• Londoners' guesses about Mij: Londoners guessed Mij was a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard, or even a 'brontosaur'.

• Mijbil's intelligence, friendliness, and fun-loving nature: Mijbil shows intelligence by learning to turn taps, playing games like soccer with a ball, and juggling marbles. He displays friendliness by nuzzling Maxwell and coming when called. His joy in water and playfulness with toys demonstrate his fun-loving nature. He needs love, as shown by his attachment to Maxwell and his distress when confined.

• What we know about otters from the text: We learn that otters are found in large numbers in Iraq's marshes, can be tamed by Arabs, are previously unknown to science (Mij's race), enjoy water immensely, need to spread water around, can be trained to use a lead, play games, have compulsive habits, and belong to the Mustelline family.

• Why Mij's species is Maxwell's otter: Mij's race was previously unknown to science, and zoologists named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell's otter in his honour.

• Mijbil's actions and Maxwell's interpretation: | What Mij does | How Mij feels or thinks | | :---------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Plunges, rolls in water, makes water splash | Every drop of water must be extended and spread about; static water is wasted. | | Screws the tap in the wrong way | Chittering with irritation and disappointment at the tap’s failure to cooperate. | | Nuzzles Maxwell’s face and neck in the aeroplane | A distressed chitter of recognition and welcome. |

• Maxwell's description of Mij:

• (iii) shows that he is often surprised by what Mij does. (e.g., amazed he could turn the tap).

• (iv) of Mij’s antics is comical. (e.g., being called a 'walrus' or 'brontosaur').

• (v) shows that he observes the antics of Mij very carefully. (e.g., describing his games and habits).

• (vii) shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual. (e.g., its race being unknown to science, its unique games).

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words)

1. Describe Maxwell's initial feelings about keeping an otter. Maxwell was sad after his dog Jonnie died and felt lonely without a pet. He then considered keeping an otter, viewing it as an interesting experiment for his cottage at Camusfearna, which was surrounded by water.

2. What challenges did Maxwell face while waiting for his mail in Basra? Maxwell faced significant delays in receiving his mail. The phone line was repeatedly out of order, the exchange was closed for a holiday, and there was another breakdown, causing him to wait for five days longer than expected.

3. How did Mijbil react to water during his first experiences with it? During his first half-hour in the bathtub, Mijbil went wild with joy. He would plunge, roll, and shoot underwater, making enough slosh and splash to suggest a much larger animal, illustrating an otter's need to spread water.

Long Answer Questions (100-120 words)

1. Explain the journey of Mijbil from Basra to London, highlighting the difficulties faced. Transporting Mijbil to England was fraught with problems. The airline wouldn't fly animals, so Maxwell booked a flight to Paris. Mijbil was packed into a small box which he tore to shreds, bleeding. On the plane, Mijbil escaped, causing panic. Maxwell, with the help of a kind air hostess, managed to retrieve him after Mijbil nuzzled him, but the incident highlighted the challenges of travelling with an unusual pet.

2. Discuss Mijbil's behaviour in London, focusing on his games and compulsive habits. In London, Mijbil adapted well, playing for hours with toys like ping-pong balls and marbles, even inventing a game with a suitcase. He displayed compulsive habits on walks, similar to children's rituals. He would enthusiastically gallop along a low school wall on his way home, much to the distraction of students and staff, showing his unique personality.

Extract-based Question

Extract: "He shook himself, and I half expected a cloud of dust, but in fact it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours. Mij, as I called the otter, was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter."

1. What did the narrator half expect when the otter shook itself? Why? The narrator half expected a cloud of dust because the otter was covered in mud, and shaking would typically dislodge loose particles.

2. How long did it take to see the otter in its "true colours"? It took another month after the initial encounter to remove all the mud and see the otter clearly.

3. What scientific significance did Mij hold? Mij was of a race previously unknown to science, and this new discovery led to the species being scientifically named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell's otter.

Remember

The story is told from Maxwell's first-person perspective, and his personal feelings and observations about Mij are central to the narrative. 🎯 Exam-smart: Be prepared to answer questions about Mij's behaviour, Maxwell's emotional reactions, and the specific details of their journey, often requiring you to quote directly from the text.