Summary of Mijbil The Otter: Important Points
Imagine, instead of a cuddly dog or a purring cat, your pet was a playful, mischievous otter! That's the incredible experience Gavin Maxwell, the author of "Mijbil the Otter," shares with us in this fascinating chapter from the book "First Flight." Get ready to dive into a world of wet fur, slippery slides, and fishy feasts as we explore the summary of Mijbil's journey from the Tigris marshes of Iraq to the bustling streets of London. Once you finish reading this Mijbil the Otter summary, you can answer any questions related to the chapter easily. So, without any delay, let us start.
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Summary of Mijbil The Otter
Introduction
The author describes how his life changed after he decided to domesticate an otter after losing his pet dog in this lesson. He takes us on a voyage from Iraq to London, adjusting, playing, and travelling with Mijbil the otter, and how he built an inseparable friendship with him along the way.
About the Author
Gavin Maxwell was a Scottish naturalist and novelist, most recognised for his non-fiction work, particularly his work with otters.
Complete Summary of Mijbil the Otter
Gavin Maxwell is the author of the prose named ’Mijbil, the Otter’. The author describes how his life changed after keeping an Otter as a pet as he lost his first pet dog. He is trying to take the audience through his journey of playing and all his experiences with Mijbil-the-Otter. His journey started from Iraq to London through a flight where he developed an attached bond with him. During his flight, the Otter created havoc and scared everyone. However, a kind-hearted air hostess helped the writer to travel with Mijbil.
An Otter As A Pet
The narrator said that Mij would take some time to get familiar with his surroundings. When Mij went to the bathroom, it jumped and rolled in the bathtub gladly. Mijbil loves playing with water and learned how to open the faucet by himself in a short time. In the Mijbil the Otter summary, the author says Mij loves to spend most of its time playing with marbles and rubber balls. His time is passing smoothly in Basra with Mijbil, and now it’s time to go back to England. However, British Airlines didn’t allow transporting animals due to which the author has to book a different flight that allows Mij on board.
The author put the Otter in a box before the flight and left it for some while. When he returned, he saw Mij created different holes in the box and ruined the internal lining. He got frightened after seeing that blood was coming out from the air holes. The narrator hastily opened the box and saw that Mijbil was unconscious. Somehow, he managed to remove all the sharp edges from the box and placed the Otter again in the box.
There were only 10 minutes left for his flight to take off, so he rushed to the airport and caught the flight. Gavin told a summary of Mijbil to the air hostess as she was friendly and suggested the author place Mijbil on his lap. When he opened the box, the Otter disappeared and started developing chaos in the flight. It made all the passengers fearful. The air hostess in the flight helped Gavin to find Mij.
When the author arrived in London with an Otter, he left people clueless. They could not understand the summary of Mijbil the Otter and kept guessing the name of the animal. Some people think him to be a baby squirrel, seal, or a hippo. However, no one was able to make a correct guess that it was an Otter. The most shocking event was when the labourer was digging a hole in the street and placed down all his tools after seeing the animal. He screamed, what’s this animal claiming to be?''
The Bond Formed Between Gavin and Otter
The author remained in London with his pet Otter for a month. Mij used to play with ping-pong balls, toys, rubber fruit, and other things for hours. While playing, he places the ball on the slanted top of the suitcase. Gavin was supposed to take Mijbil out for a walk and exercise. The Otter developed some of the habits on those walks. He went with the narrator like children running, playing, and touching things in London streets. Within a month, the author developed a strong bond between him and his pet Otter.
Beyond the Story: What Can Students Learn?
"Mijbil the Otter" offers a treasure trove of teaching opportunities for students:
Exploring Themes of Friendship and Empathy: Students can delve into the unique bond between Gavin and Mijbil, discussing how their differences strengthen their connection. They can explore concepts like unconditional love, acceptance, and appreciating the extraordinary.
Understanding Animal Behaviour: Mijbil's playful, curious nature offers a window into the fascinating world of otters. Students can research their habits, habitats, and unique characteristics, deepening their understanding of the natural world.
Appreciating Diversity and Embracing the Unconventional: The story challenges traditional notions of pets and encourages students to embrace differences. It can spark discussions about acceptance, inclusivity, and celebrating what makes each individual unique.
Creative Writing and Storytelling: "Mijbil the Otter" can inspire students to unleash their own creativity. They can write stories about their own unique friendships, create their own mischievous companions, or even imagine Mijbil's adventures from his perspective.
Mijbil the Otter Summary in 100 words
Gavin Maxwell's Mijbil the Otter is a heartwarming story about his experiences with an otter named Mijbil, whom he adopts in Iraq and brings to England. Initially shy and hesitant, Mijbil gradually becomes playful and curious, showcasing his unique personality. The story narrates humorous incidents, such as Mijbil’s antics during their travel on a flight and his mischievous explorations at home. Maxwell describes how Mijbil’s love for water and playful nature brings joy and laughter. The narrative highlights the bond between humans and animals, emphasising how Mijbil becomes an integral and delightful part of Maxwell’s life.
Highlights: Mijbil the Otter Summary in Points
After his dog died, Maxwell decided to keep an otter as his pet.
On the suggestion of a friend, he got an otter from the Tigris Marsh.
Maxwell felt that the arrival of the otter opened a new stage in his life.
The otter first appeared as a little dragon. He was covered with mud. Maxwell spent a lot of time and energy removing the dust.
Otters like to play in the water and cannot stand in front of the water.
He also likes to play with rubber balls. Marble toys are his favourite.
A few days later, Maxwell had to return to London.
Transport of Mijbil to London became a problem because British Airways did not allow animals on its flights.
Another airline agreed to pack the animal in a box.
Maxwell made a small box for the otter.
On the plane, the otter escaped from the box. Some passengers yelled and stood on their seats when they saw the otter on the plane.
Finally, the otter came back, lying on Maxwell's knees.
On reaching London, the otter was unfamiliar to most people. They simply made random assumptions.
In London, Mijbil learned to play ping-pong and developed certain habits.
Conclusion
"Mijbil the Otter" is more than just a story about a mischievous otter. It's a reminder that happiness can be found in the most unlikely places. It's a celebration of the unique bonds we form with animals, and the joy they bring to our lives. It's a call to embrace the different, the unusual, and the wet, slippery wonder of an otter named Mijbil.
So, the next time you feel lost or lonely, remember Mijbil. Remember that laughter and joy can be found in the most unexpected corners, and that sometimes, the best friends come with whiskers and a love for fish. And who knows, maybe one day, you too will have your own Mijbil-sized adventure, one that will fill your heart with fishy giggles and memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs on Mijbil the Otter Summary: A Heartwarming Story by Gavin Maxwell
1. What is the Moral Theme for Mijbil the Otter?
Animals are very dear to humans. This is a special case for dogs. Being very loyal to humans, we never complain about them. They keep us protected every time. Once you keep them as your pet, you cannot get rid of their essence throughout life. Same is the case with authors. His loyal dog died leaving him alone throughout his life. He then kept Mijbil who was an Otter, but only people in Southern Iraq were able to recognise it. However, to the author, this creature took the time to become a friend. However, it became dear to him later. People in London considered it to be a squirrel.
2. Put the Light on the Appearance of Otter.
People usually could not recognise this creature. Also, they think it to be like a squirrel. However, the fact is this creature is similar to a dragon which belongs to the middle ages. Also, in the research, many people found it to cover the symmetric points of the scale of mud. Also, there is a scale of soft velvet fur. Moreover, it has short ears and noses with an elongated body as that of a dragon. Otters have a similar appearance as that to the dragons with the facial features and the elongated body. Otters are very unique creatures that hardly anyone could find today.
3. What is the thing that we came to know about otters in front of his text?
Otters are members of the Mustelline family, which includes badgers, mongooses, weasels, stoats, minks, and others. In wetlands, they can be found in large numbers. Arabs tame and keep them as pets. Otters enjoy spreading water around and splashing in it. Maxwell's otter was a previously unknown species to science, and it took zoologists a long time to name it.
4. Why do you feel the otter was afraid of the narrator at first? Is it possible to apply this to human nature as well?
The otter was first afraid of the narrator because he was meeting him for the first time. He was transferred to a new location with unfamiliar surroundings. He had no idea who the narrator was or where he had been, so he stayed away from him. However, as soon as he felt comfortable in his surroundings, he became friendly and approached the narrator.
This is quite similar to human nature. It is difficult to simply mix with people because you must first understand their nature.
Human beings, too, require time to learn about others before being close with them. They try to avoid being around someone until they feel comfortable with them. As a result, the otter is believed to behave almost like humans.
5. The narrator, Maxwell, referred to the airhostess as "the queen of her kind." This shows how caring and helpful she was. Do you come across such people nowadays? Has there been a change in people's values?
It is becoming more difficult to find people that care and support you in today's world. Instead of helping others, they start to make excuses and cite rules and regulations. In early times, people used to think about other people's problems and try to help them in whatever way they could.
Because of the shift in people's values, this is changing. People put a lot of emphasis on their personal safety and security. They do not believe or care about someone's motive or personal interest in his actions. They care about themselves first and then think about others. People are trying to meet their needs, which leads them down the wrong path. They try to complete their work while ignoring others. However, this is not an attitude we should adopt in our daily lives.
6. What makes Mijbil the Otter unique as a pet?
Mijbil was a highly unusual pet for Maxwell, as otters are not typically domesticated animals. Mijbil's playful and curious nature made him a one-of-a-kind companion. His love for water, playful antics with marbles and rubber balls, and mischievous behaviour made Mijbil an extraordinary pet that added joy and laughter to Maxwell’s life.
7. How did Mijbil’s behaviour on the flight demonstrate his playful nature?
During the flight from Iraq to London, Mijbil escaped from the box he was kept in and caused chaos on the plane. His antics, such as darting around the cabin and making the passengers frightened, showcased his lively and curious personality. Mijbil’s behaviour on the flight illustrated his need for adventure and play, even in a confined and unusual setting.
8. How did the author’s bond with Mijbil evolve throughout the story?
Initially, Maxwell felt a distance from Mijbil, as the otter was nervous and hesitant. However, over time, their bond grew stronger as they spent more time together. Mijbil’s playful behavior, like chasing after toys and playing with Maxwell, helped form a deep connection between them. This emotional bond was strengthened by their shared experiences and mutual affection.
9. What role does the setting play in the story of Mijbil the Otter?
The setting of the story plays a key role in shaping Mijbil’s behaviour and the overall narrative. The contrasting environments of Iraq and London serve as backdrops for Mijbil’s transformation from a shy, cautious animal to a confident and mischievous pet. The different cultures and landscapes, from the Tigris marshes to the busy streets of London, add to the uniqueness of the otter’s journey.
10. Why is Mijbil’s character so important to the story’s message?
Mijbil’s character is central to the story because he symbolises the joy and companionship that animals can bring into our lives. His playful and mischievous nature provides comic relief but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected friendships that can form between humans and animals. Through Mijbil, the story highlights themes of love, empathy, and the extraordinary bonds we can develop with creatures that are different from us.
