Story Summary

📚 Detailed Summary

Character Analysis

Major Themes

Contemporary Relevance of Themes

CBSE Board Questions & Answers

Extract Based Questions (3-4 marks each)

• Extract: “The otter was of a race previously unknown to science and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter.”
  a) What does this tell us about Mijbil? b) Why was the otter named after Maxwell? c) What is the significance of discovering a new species?
  Answer:
  a) This tells us that Mijbil belonged to a rare and previously unknown species of smooth-coated otter, making him scientifically significant and valuable for research and conservation.
  b) The otter was named after Maxwell because he was the first person to bring this particular subspecies to the attention of the scientific community, leading to its formal classification.
  c) Discovering a new species is significant because it adds to our understanding of biodiversity, helps in conservation efforts, and shows that there are still unknown aspects of nature waiting to be discovered and protected.
• Extract: “He spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player using all four feet to dribble the ball.”
  a) What does this show about Mijbil’s nature? b) How does this behavior demonstrate animal intelligence? c) What literary device is used in this description?
  Answer:
  a) This shows that Mijbil was playful, energetic, and intelligent. He could create his own entertainment and showed remarkable coordination and skill in his games.
  b) This behavior demonstrates animal intelligence through Mijbil’s ability to understand game rules, coordinate complex movements, and sustain focused activity for extended periods, showing cognitive abilities beyond basic instincts.
  c) The literary device used is simile, comparing Mijbil to “a four-footed soccer player,” which helps readers visualize his playful behavior and skill.
• Extract: “Mijbil, 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.”
  a) Why did Maxwell call the otter Mijbil? b) What is the scientific importance of this discovery? c) How does naming species after discoverers work?
  Answer:
  a) Maxwell called the otter Mijbil (or Mij for short) as a personal, affectionate name, showing the close bond he developed with his pet.
  b) The scientific importance lies in expanding our knowledge of otter species, contributing to biodiversity research, and helping in conservation efforts for this particular subspecies.
  c) In scientific nomenclature, species are often named after their discoverers or the person who first brought them to scientific attention, as a way of honoring their contribution to scientific knowledge.

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

• Q1: How did Mijbil spend his time in the bathroom? What does this reveal about his character? (3 marks)
  Answer: Mijbil spent his time in the bathroom playing with water in various creative ways. He would turn on the taps, splash in the water, and create different games for himself. He learned to operate the taps to get the right flow of water and would spend hours entertaining himself. This reveals that Mijbil was highly intelligent, playful, and creative. His ability to learn how to use human-made objects like taps shows his problem-solving skills, while his love for play demonstrates that animals have emotional needs beyond just survival.
• Q2: What challenges did Maxwell face while traveling with Mijbil to London? (3 marks)
  Answer: Maxwell faced several challenges while traveling with Mijbil: First, he had to get special permission from the airline to carry Mijbil in the cabin rather than cargo. Second, he needed to secure Mijbil in a proper travel box, which was stressful for both of them. During the flight, Mijbil managed to escape from his box, creating panic among passengers and causing a commotion in the aircraft. Maxwell had to quickly recapture the frightened otter while managing the concerns of other passengers and airline staff.
• Q3: How did the people of London react to seeing Mijbil? What does this show about human attitudes toward wildlife? (3 marks)
  Answer: The people of London had varied reactions to seeing Mijbil. Some were curious and amazed to see such an unusual animal in the city, others were frightened and kept their distance, and many were simply confused about what kind of animal he was. Some people made incorrect guesses about his species. This shows that human attitudes toward wildlife are diverse – ranging from fear and ignorance to curiosity and wonder. It also highlights how disconnected urban people can be from nature and wildlife, often not knowing how to react when they encounter animals outside of typical domestic pets.
• Q4: Why was Scotland a better environment for Mijbil than London? (2 marks)
  Answer: Scotland was better for Mijbil because it provided a natural environment with clean rivers, streams, and open spaces where he could swim freely and express his natural behaviors. Unlike the concrete urban environment of London with its traffic and crowds, the Scottish Highlands offered the peaceful, water-rich habitat that otters need to thrive. This natural setting allowed Mijbil to be happier and more comfortable, living closer to how otters would in the wild.

Long Answer Questions (5-6 marks each)

• Q1: Analyze the relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil. How does it develop throughout the story and what does it teach us about human-animal bonds? (6 marks)
  Answer: The relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil evolves from initial fear and suspicion to deep mutual affection and understanding.
  
  Initial Stage: When Mijbil first arrived, he was frightened and hostile, hiding from Maxwell and showing natural wariness of humans. Maxwell had to be extremely patient, giving the otter space and time to adjust.
  
  Development: Gradually, through Maxwell’s consistent care and patience, Mijbil began to trust him. The otter started showing curiosity about Maxwell and began to play, especially with water. Maxwell observed Mijbil’s behaviors carefully and learned to understand his needs and preferences.
  
  Deepening Bond: As time passed, genuine affection developed between them. Mijbil would seek Maxwell’s company, play games with him, and show clear signs of attachment. Maxwell, in turn, became deeply fond of Mijbil and was committed to his wellbeing.
  
  Lessons About Human-Animal Bonds:
  • Patience and Respect: True bonds require time, patience, and respect for the animal’s natural instincts
  • Mutual Benefit: Both species can gain emotionally from such relationships
  • Understanding: Humans must learn to communicate and understand animals on their terms
  • Responsibility: Caring for animals involves understanding their needs and providing appropriate environments
  • Emotional Depth: Animals are capable of forming deep emotional attachments and showing affection
• Q2: What does Mijbil’s behavior and intelligence tell us about animals? How does this challenge common misconceptions about animal capabilities? (5 marks)
  Answer: Mijbil’s behavior throughout the story reveals remarkable intelligence and emotional depth that challenges many common misconceptions about animals.
  
  Evidence of Intelligence:
  • Problem-solving: Mijbil learned to operate water taps, showing he could understand cause and effect
  • Game creation: He invented his own games with balls and water, demonstrating creativity
  • Learning ability: He quickly adapted to new environments and situations
  • Memory: He remembered routines and showed recognition of familiar people and places
  
  Emotional Capabilities:
  • Affection: Showed clear attachment to Maxwell
  • Joy: Displayed obvious pleasure during play
  • Fear and anxiety: Reacted emotionally to stressful situations
  • Curiosity: Showed interest in exploring and investigating
  
  Challenging Misconceptions:
  This challenges the misconception that animals are merely instinct-driven creatures without emotions or intelligence. Mijbil’s story shows that animals can think, feel, learn, and form meaningful relationships. It demonstrates that animals have individual personalities, preferences, and the capacity for joy and play beyond mere survival needs. This understanding is crucial for wildlife conservation and ethical treatment of animals.
• Q3: How does the story “Mijbil the Otter” promote wildlife conservation awareness? Discuss its relevance in today’s environmental context. (6 marks)
  Answer: “Mijbil the Otter” serves as a powerful tool for promoting wildlife conservation awareness through personal storytelling and emotional connection.
  
  Conservation Messages in the Story:
  • Species Rarity: Mijbil belonged to a previously unknown subspecies, highlighting the importance of biodiversity
  • Habitat Needs: The contrast between urban London and natural Scotland shows animals need appropriate environments
  • Individual Value: Each animal has unique personality and intelligence, making every species loss significant
  • Human Responsibility: Maxwell’s care demonstrates our duty to protect wildlife
  
  Emotional Connection:
  By showing Mijbil as an individual with personality, intelligence, and emotions, the story creates empathy in readers. This emotional connection is more powerful than statistics in motivating conservation action.
  
  Contemporary Relevance:
  • Climate Change: Many species face habitat loss due to changing climate conditions
  • Urbanization: Expanding cities threaten wildlife habitats, as shown in the London scenes
  • Pollution: Water pollution particularly affects aquatic animals like otters
  • Species Extinction: Many otter species are now endangered or threatened
  • Conservation Education: Stories like this inspire people to learn about and protect wildlife
  
  Modern Applications:
  The story encourages readers to support conservation efforts, make environmentally conscious choices, and develop empathy for wildlife. It shows that individual actions and awareness can make a difference in protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Vocabulary & Word Study

Wildlife and Animal Terms

Behavioral and Scientific Terms

Travel and Adventure Terms

Descriptive and Literary Terms

Conservation and Environmental Terms

Contextual Usage for Exam

• Use ‘fixation’ in the context of Mijbil’s behavior
  Answer: “Mijbil had a complete fixation with water and ball games. His obsessive interest in these activities showed that animals, like humans, can develop intense preferences and hobbies that bring them joy and satisfaction beyond basic survival needs.”
• Explain ‘christened’ with reference to scientific naming
  Answer: “The otter was christened ‘Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli’ by zoologists, meaning it was officially given this scientific name. In biological classification, new species or subspecies are formally christened with Latin names that often honor their discoverers, as Maxwell was honored in this otter’s scientific name.”
• What does ‘engrossed’ tell us about animal behavior?
  Answer: “When Mijbil was engrossed in his games, he was completely absorbed and focused on the activity, showing that animals can experience deep concentration and enjoyment. This behavior demonstrates that animals have the capacity for sustained attention and can find genuine pleasure in play, indicating emotional and cognitive complexity.”

Wildlife Conservation Context

🦦 Otter Conservation Today

🔬 Modern Conservation Technology