Discussion Topic
Phillip's courage and bravery in The Cay by Theodore Taylor
Summary:
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 survival skills, and builds a strong, supportive relationship with Timothy, which helps him face numerous challenges with resilience and determination.
How does Phillip demonstrate courage in The Cay by Theodore Taylor?
Phillip is courageous in The Cay by Theodore Taylor several times. First of all, he showed courage when the ship he and his mother were on was torpedoed. It took a lot of courage for a boy to do what he had to do at that moment. Many children would panic under the same circumstances. Many adults would too.
Once he and Timothy reached their cay, at first Phillip acted like a spoiled brat and used his new blindness as an excuse, but when he realized Timothy was trying to teach him how to survive, he changed. Phillip had been afraid to climb a tree to get coconuts, but one day he decided that he was going to do it. It definitely took courage for him to climb without the benefit of sight!
Phillip showed the most courage after Timothy died, and he was left alone. He had to do...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
everything for himself. Timothy had warned him about the danger of the pond where he could find langosta (small lobster), and Phillip had not tried to catch any before Timothy's death, but when he no longer had Timothy there to do it for him, Phillip was able to catch them himself. He survived all alone until he was finally rescued, and that takes a lot of courage!
Does Phillip show bravery during chaos in The Cay?
Phillip shows extraordinary bravery on a number of occasions in the story. First of all, he acts bravely when his ship is torpedoed. Many adults in his situation, let alone children, would've panicked, but not Phillip. Though now blinded, Phillip shows a consistent determination to overcome the challenges presented by his disability. And that in itself is brave.
When Phillip and Timothy fetch up on the cay, the young lad initially shows himself unwilling to get with the program and learn how to survive in such harsh conditions. More than anything else, Phillip is held back by a debilitating fear, as can be seen when he refuses to climb a coconut tree. Yet one day Phillip manages to put his fears behind him and climb the tree all by himself. This is no mean feat for someone in his position.
But the greatest example of Phillip's courage is his ability to survive by himself after Timothy passes away. Timothy is responsible for giving Phillip the necessary skills and tools for survival, but Phillip still has to put what he's learned into practice. That he's able to do so, despite his disability, and despite being all alone, is a testament to the young boy's seemingly inexhaustible reserves of courage.