Chapters
Mijbil the Otter |Fog
1- Mijbil the Otter
Summary
In 1956, the author traveled to Southern Iraq with the idea of keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog. A friend suggested getting an otter from the Tigris marshes, where they were common and often tamed by the local Arabs. While in Basra, the author unexpectedly received an otter as a gift from his friend, marking the beginning of a lifelong fascination with these creatures.
The otter, later named Mijbil, was a species previously unknown to science, eventually named Maxwell's otter. Initially aloof, Mijbil soon grew attached to the author, displaying a playful nature, especially in water. The otter's love for water was so intense that he would turn on taps and splash around in any available water source.
Transporting Mijbil to England was a challenge. During the flight from Basra to London, Mijbil escaped from his box, causing a commotion among passengers who mistook him for a rat. Eventually, the otter returned to the author's side, and they settled in London. Mijbil's playful behavior continued, and he quickly adapted to life in the city, although the Londoners often mistook him for other animals, from a seal to a hippo. The author was frequently amused by the variety of guesses people made about Mijbil's species.
Throughout the story, the author's deep bond with Mijbil is evident, as well as the otter's unique and mischievous personality.
NCERT Class 10 English | Ch-6| Mijbil the Otter |Fog
Fog -Summary
The poem "Fog" by Carl Sandburg uses a simple and evocative metaphor to describe how fog moves. The poet compares the fog to a cat, which is known for its quiet, stealthy movements. Let's break down the imagery and meaning:
"The fog comes on little cat feet."
The fog is compared to a cat, suggesting that it arrives silently and gently, without causing a disturbance. The idea of "little cat feet" evokes a sense of softness and quietness.
"It sits looking over harbour and city"
Once the fog arrives, it "sits" like a cat would, quietly observing its surroundings. Here, the fog is personified as if it has a consciousness, watching the city and harbor. The image conveys a sense of calm and stillness.
"on silent haunches"
This line reinforces the comparison to a cat, as "haunches" refers to the back legs of an animal when it is sitting. The silence of the fog is emphasized again, underscoring the idea that it is a subtle and quiet presence.
"and then moves on."
Finally, just as a cat might move on after sitting for a while, the fog also drifts away quietly and without fanfare. This reinforces the transient and gentle nature of the fog.
Overall Meaning: The poem captures the fleeting, mysterious, and quiet nature of fog by likening it to a cat. Just as a cat might appear, sit silently, and then leave without a sound, the fog rolls in, rests over the landscape, and then moves away, leaving little trace of its presence. The poem is concise but rich in imagery, effectively conveying the nature of fog through the metaphor of a cat.
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