How does The Cay end?

Theodore Taylor's 1969 young adult novel The Cay takes place at the start of World War II, in the Dutch Caribbean island country of Curacao. Heading for the US on board a ship hit by a German torpedo, eleven-year-old Phillip Enright is blinded by the explosion and marooned on a tiny island with two other surviving passengers: Timothy (an elderly black sailor) and Stew Cat (the ship's cook's cat). The experience causes Timothy to mature in confidence, skills, and outlook towards people of other races. The story concludes with Phillip's rescue, restored eyesight, and new ideas about who he wants to become.

After four months on the island, a destroyer in pursuit of German submarines finally notices the signal fires Phillip has been making, and he is rescued, along with Stew Cat. (Unfortunately, Phillip's protector and mentor, Timothy, does not survive.)

Phillip and his parents are reunited in Panama. He regains his sight after undergoing several operations in New York City. The family returns to Willemstad, Curacao, where his father works. Phillip no longer feels like he fits in, as his experiences have made him less like the prejudiced and privileged whites in that society.

When World War II ends, Phillip and his family return to the United States. He immerses himself in the study of maps and is determined to one day find the little island where he had been marooned and to visit Timothy's grave.

Who dies near the end of The Cay?

In The Cay by Theodore Taylor, Timothy dies before the end of the story. He is elderly, and after the big storm, he never fully recovers. Timothy knew it was possible he would never make it off The Cay, and that is why he worked so hard to teach Phillip survival skills.

Because of Timothy's lessons, Phillip is able to find food, build a shelter, make a fire and find his way around on the little island. Timothy has been his mentor and his friend, and it is very difficult for Phillip when he loses Timothy. Phillip realizes how much this man has done for him when he is finally rescued, and the rescuers see his campsite. Once he goes home, Phillip spends much of his time down on the docks talking to people who knew Timothy, so that he can keep his memory alive.