Student Question
What prevents Timothy from killing the cat in The Cay?
Quick answer:
Timothy refrains from killing Stew Cat because, despite his belief that the cat is evil, Phillip pleads with him not to. Timothy values his relationship with Phillip, which is already fragile, and understands that the boy finds comfort in the cat's presence. This emotional connection and Phillip's insistence ultimately prevent Timothy from harming the cat.
Timothy believes that Stew Cat is evil because he manages to disappear every time something bad happens on the island, he wants to kill the cat, but Phillip begs him not to so he doesn't because his relationship with the boy is tenuous at best and he realizes that the boy finds comfort in having the cat around.
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