The Cay Questions and Answers

The Cay

In The Cay, metaphors and similes vividly describe characters and scenes. A metaphor compares Timothy’s teeth to an "alabaster trench," while a simile likens his lips to the "meat of a conch."...

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The Cay

In The Cay by Theodore Taylor, Phillip's relationship with Timothy evolves significantly. Initially, Phillip harbors racial prejudice, viewing Timothy as inferior and treating him disrespectfully....

19 educator answers

The Cay

The main themes in The Cay include racism, survival, and friendship. The story explores the transformation of the protagonist, Phillip, as he overcomes his racial prejudices and learns to depend on...

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The Cay

In Theodore Taylor's The Cay, Phillip Enright is an 11-year-old boy with ingrained racial prejudices, largely due to his upbringing. Initially immature and selfish, his character evolves...

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The Cay

Timothy referring to Phillip as "young boss" signifies the racial and social hierarchy of the time period. Phillip's request for Timothy to call him by his name represents his growing respect and...

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The Cay

The primary conflict in The Cay by Theodore Taylor is the struggle for survival of Phillip and Timothy after being shipwrecked on a deserted island. Their resolution comes through teamwork and mutual...

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The Cay

Timothy from "The Cay" is a large, elderly West Indian man with a deep, gravelly voice and broad, muscular build. He is kind, resourceful, and protective, showing wisdom and patience, especially in...

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The Cay

In the conclusion of The Cay, Phillip is rescued after Timothy's death. He regains his sight through surgery and returns to Curaçao, where he matures and forms a deeper appreciation for the lessons...

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The Cay

Timothy dies in Chapter 15 while protecting Phillip during a violent storm. He ties both of them to a palm tree, positioning himself to shield Phillip from the storm's full force. The wind and sand...

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The Cay

Phillip stayed on the island for approximately 133 days, from April 10 to August 21, 1942. During this time, he learned survival skills from Timothy and overcame his racial prejudices. Phillip's...

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The Cay

When Phillip asks Timothy, "Are you still Black?" he is acknowledging the transformation in their relationship and his own perceptions. Initially influenced by racial prejudice, Phillip's blindness...

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The Cay

In "The Cay," situational irony is evident when Phillip only learns to "see" Timothy's true character after becoming blind, and in Timothy’s death despite his efforts to keep Phillip safe. Dramatic...

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The Cay

In The Cay, Timothy plays a crucial role in Phillip's journey towards independence and survival. Initially, Phillip's prejudices and reliance on Timothy are evident, but Timothy's teachings foster...

8 educator answers

The Cay

Phillip in The Cay is a twelve-year-old white boy of average height, who becomes blind after a shipwreck. He is initially overprotected by his mother and athletic, enjoying fishing and sailing....

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The Cay

Timothy slaps Phillip in "The Cay" to confront his racism and ignorance. Phillip, blind and frustrated, hurls racial insults at Timothy during an argument about weaving mats. Timothy's slap serves as...

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The Cay

Timothy and Philip initially had chocolate and biscuits from a survival tin on their raft. On the island, they consumed coconuts, which provided both meat and milk. Timothy, skilled in survival...

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The Cay

In The Cay, Timothy and Phillip face numerous challenges, including surviving a shipwreck, dealing with limited food and water supplies, and overcoming racial prejudices. Additionally, Phillip's...

2 educator answers

The Cay

In Chapters 3-16 of The Cay, Phillip Enright survives a WWII shipwreck, becomes blind, and finds himself on a raft with Timothy, an old black sailor, and a cat. Initially mistrusting Timothy, Phillip...

4 educator answers

The Cay

In The Cay by Theodore Taylor, Phillip demonstrates courage and bravery by overcoming his blindness and learning to survive on a deserted island. He adapts to his new reality, learns essential...

2 educator answers

The Cay

In "The Cay," Timothy and Phillip initially have a keg of fresh water, some biscuits, chocolate, and matches in a tin on their raft. These limited supplies lead to tension between them, especially...

1 educator answer

The Cay

Phillip's evolving relationship with Timothy is marked by initial feelings of superiority and gradual dependence. Early on, Phillip dismisses Timothy's help and feels superior due to racial...

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The Cay

In "The Cay," the term "jumbi" refers to a ghost or evil spirit, originating from the West Indian word derived from the African Kongo term "zumbi," meaning charm or fetish. Jumbies are believed to be...

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The Cay

Phillip becomes blind after the ship he and his mother are on, the S. S. Hato, is torpedoed by a German U-boat. During the chaos, Phillip is hit on the head and thrown into the water. He regains...

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The Cay

In chapters 1-7 of The Cay, Phillip experiences a range of emotions. Initially, he feels excitement and curiosity about the war, but this quickly turns to fear and confusion when he is separated from...

2 educator answers

The Cay

In chapters 9-12, Phillip begins to assist Timothy by attempting tasks Timothy requests, such as weaving sleeping mats and climbing for coconuts, though initially reluctant and angry. Timothy,...

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The Cay

In Theodore Taylor's The Cay, Phillip and his mother board the S.S. Hato to flee Curacao due to WWII dangers. Despite Phillip's father's warnings, the ship is torpedoed on April 6, 1942. During the...

6 educator answers

The Cay

Timothy's statement, "D' han' is not blin'," means that although Phillip has lost his sight, he can still contribute by using his hands. Timothy emphasizes that blindness does not prevent someone...

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The Cay

The genre of "The Cay" is historical fiction. The novel, set during World War II, combines historical events with a fictional story about a young boy and an old man who are stranded on a deserted...

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The Cay

The fate of the S.S. Empire Tern in "The Cay" is tragic. It is a British oil tanker loaded with fuel for the Royal Air Force during World War II. Shortly after departing from Curacao, it is torpedoed...

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The Cay

Philip's mother influences his perceptions and interactions with Timothy by instilling in him prejudiced views. Her negative opinions about black people lead Philip to initially distrust and look...

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The Cay

Timothy predicts the storm by observing changes in the weather, such as the absence of trade winds, a "crack like d'rifle" sound, and a yellowish sky, indicating an early and severe hurricane. To...

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The Cay

In The Cay, Timothy uses boards from the outside edges of the raft to make a shelter. He puts them together to form two triangles, which he then covers with items of clothing.

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The Cay

In chapters 11-19 of The Cay, foreshadowing is evident when Phillip gains independence despite his blindness, hinting at future events. Timothy creates a vine rope and cane to help Phillip navigate...

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The Cay

Timothy's exact age in "The Cay" is not specified in the book. However, he is described as being very old, with gray hair and a stooped posture, suggesting advanced age.

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The Cay

The mother wants to return to Virginia because the island has been attacked and she feels unsafe.

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The Cay

Timothy abandons the raft for a desolate island because he believes survival prospects are better there. On the island, they can find food, such as fish and Caribbean lobster, and build a signal fire...

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The Cay

The movie adaptation of Theodore Taylor's The Cay differs from the book primarily in character development and pacing. The film starts with Phillip and his mother already on a ship, quickly leading...

2 educator answers

The Cay

Timothy was raised by Hannah Gumbs, a woman who found him as a baby on her doorstep with a note bearing his name. Although she was not related to him, Hannah, who was born a slave and later freed,...

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The Cay

Timothy says they have good luck because they have some supplies on the raft, a statement in keeping with his overall optimism.

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The Cay

The main characters in "The Cay" are Phillip Enright and Timothy. Phillip is a young boy who becomes blind after their ship is torpedoed, and Timothy is an older, wise West Indian man who helps...

2 educator answers

The Cay

The important lesson of friendship in The Cay is that true friendship transcends racial differences. Initially, Phillip harbors racist beliefs, but after becoming dependent on Timothy following his...

1 educator answer

The Cay

The climax of The Cay occurs during the hurricane that Phillip and Timothy must endure. This event marks the peak of narrative tension and serves as a significant turning point for Phillip. Before...

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The Cay

Phillip, after Timothy's death in The Cay by Theodore Taylor, initially feels anger but soon recognizes Timothy's sacrifice during the storm. Realizing he needs to fend for himself, Phillip recalls...

2 educator answers

The Cay

The relationship between Stew Cat and Timothy in "The Cay" is one of mutual dependence and companionship. Timothy treats Stew Cat with care and respect, seeing him as a source of comfort and normalcy...

2 educator answers

The Cay

Quotes in the text reveal key aspects of the characters' personalities and development. In chapter ten, Timothy's wisdom and tolerance are highlighted when he compares skin color to the natural...

1 educator answer

The Cay

Phillip's perspective on race evolves significantly during his time with Timothy. Initially influenced by societal prejudices, Phillip views Timothy with suspicion and condescension. However, through...

2 educator answers

The Cay

In "The Cay," Phillip wanted to take Timothy's knife off the island with him. During his rescue, a sailor retrieved the knife from a palm tree trunk. Phillip and Stew Cat were then taken aboard a...

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The Cay

Despite his blindness in The Cay, Phillip determines morning by feeling the warmth of the sun on his face and listening to the sounds of birds and waves, which signal the start of a new day.

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The Cay

When Phillip first realizes he is blind, he does not take any action of acceptance or calmness. Instead, he reacts with panic and fear, screaming that he is blind and desperately trying to see by...

1 educator answer

The Cay

In The Cay by Theodore Taylor, Phillip undergoes significant emotional and personal growth. Initially influenced by his mother's prejudices, Phillip harbors resentment towards her and distrusts...

5 educator answers