ENGLISH CLASS- 10
CHAPTER-6
(Mijbil the Otter)
Mijbil the Otter
1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving animal who needs love?
Mij shows his intelligence by quickly learning how to open the lid of a box and by trying to operate water taps. He carefully observes things and learns from experience.
He is friendly because he becomes deeply attached to Maxwell. He enjoys being with him and often seeks his company and affection.
Mij is fun-loving as he loves playing in water. He plunges, rolls, twists, and splashes about happily. He invents games for himself and spends hours enjoying them. His affectionate behaviour and desire to stay close to Maxwell show that he needs love and companionship.
2. What are some of the things we come to know about otters from this text?
The text tells us that otters are intelligent, playful, curious, and affectionate animals. They love water and spend much of their time swimming and playing in it.
Otters can become strongly attached to human beings if treated kindly. They learn quickly, enjoy games, and are capable of showing emotions such as happiness and excitement. The story also shows that otters are energetic creatures that require care, attention, and a suitable environment to thrive.
3. Why is Mij's species now known to the world as Maxwell's otter?
When Maxwell took Mij to England, he tried to identify its species. At first, experts thought Mij belonged to a known species of otter, but later it was discovered that he belonged to a previously unrecognized species.
The species was scientifically named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli after Gavin Maxwell. As a result, it became popularly known as Maxwell's otter.
4. Complete the table.
(i) Mij plunges, rolls in the water and makes the water splosh and splash.
How Mij feels or thinks: Mij feels extremely happy and excited. He thoroughly enjoys playing in water and treats it like a delightful game.
(ii) Mij screws the tap in the wrong way.
How Mij feels or thinks: Mij is curious and is trying to work out how the tap functions. He is experimenting and learning through observation.
(iii) Mij nuzzles Maxwell's face and neck in the aeroplane.
How Mij feels or thinks: Mij feels affectionate, secure, and attached to Maxwell. He seeks comfort and reassurance from his owner.
5. Read the story and find the sentences where Maxwell describes his pet otter.
(i) Makes Mij seem almost human, like a small boy.
"He spent most of his time in play. He had a game with ping-pong balls and marbles."
(ii) Shows that he is often irritated with what Mij does.
"Mij would turn the tap on and I would have to rush to turn it off."
(iii) Shows that he is often surprised by what Mij does.
"It is a characteristic of otters that every drop of water must be, and is, extended and spread about the place."
(iv) Of Mij's antics is comical.
"The air hostess suggested that I keep him on a leash. Mij's reaction created complete confusion among the passengers."
(v) Shows that he observes the antics of Mij very carefully.
"He would lie on his back and juggle small objects between his paws."
(vi) Shows that he thinks Mij is a very ordinary otter.
Maxwell does not think Mij is an ordinary otter. Instead, he repeatedly describes him as a remarkable and unusual animal with unique habits and intelligence.
(vii) Shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual.
"I have never known any animal with such a combination of qualities as Mij."
Throughout the story, Maxwell presents Mij as an exceptionally intelligent, playful, affectionate, and extraordinary creature.
Fog
1. (i) What does Sandburg think the fog is like?
Carl Sandburg thinks that the fog is like a cat. He compares the fog to a cat because both move quietly, smoothly, and silently. The fog arrives without making any noise, just as a cat moves softly and unnoticed.
1. (ii) How does the fog come?
The fog comes on little cat feet. This means that it arrives silently, gently, and mysteriously without attracting attention, just as a cat moves quietly.
1. (iii) What does ‘it’ in the third line refer to?
In the third line, the word ‘it’ refers to the fog.
1. (iv) Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat.
No, the poet does not directly say that the fog is like a cat. He uses a metaphor and describes the fog through the actions of a cat.
Three things that show the fog is like a cat are:
• It comes on little cat feet.
• It sits looking over harbour and city.
• It then moves on silently.
These actions resemble the quiet, watchful, and graceful behaviour of a cat.
2. (i) Find metaphors for the following words and complete the table below. Also try to say how they are alike.
Storm
Metaphor: Tiger
Similarity: Pounces over the fields, growls loudly, and shows great power.
Train
Metaphor: Snake
Similarity: Long, winding, and moves swiftly along tracks like a snake slithering on the ground.
Fire
Metaphor: Dragon
Similarity: Fierce, destructive, and appears to spit flames while spreading rapidly.
School
Metaphor: Beehive
Similarity: Full of activity, learning, movement, and cooperation, just like bees working together.
Home
Metaphor: Nest
Similarity: A place of safety, comfort, love, and protection.
2. (ii) Write a poem about the storm comparing it with an animal.
The Storm Tiger
The storm is a tiger in the sky,
Roaring loudly as it rushes by.
Its claws are flashes of lightning bright,
Its eyes glow fiercely in the dark night.
It leaps across the fields with might,
Shaking the trees in sudden fright.
It growls and snarls with wind and rain,
Then slowly wanders off again.
The tiger rests, the clouds depart,
And calm returns to every heart.
3. Does this poem have a rhyme scheme?
No, the poem does not have a regular rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a fixed pattern of rhyme or rhythm.
The poem's beauty comes from its simplicity, vivid imagery, and powerful metaphor comparing the fog to a cat. The short lines effectively capture the silent and mysterious movement of the fog.