The Cay Chapter Summary & Analysis | Chapters 16 - 19

Chapters 16 - 19 Summary

Chapter 16: That afternoon, Phillip buries Timothy, digging the grave with his hands. He is angry with Timothy for leaving him alone, but as he digs, he realizes that Timothy gave his life to protect him. He recalls his father telling him, when his grandfather died, that sometimes people simply die, because they are very tired. Phillip thinks that was the case with Timothy. Phillip believes his blindness protects him somehow from the fear of his new reality. He places stones on Timothy's grave and asks God to take care of him.

Afterwards, Phillip unties the water keg and tin from the tree. The water is still potable and the matches are dry. He feels the debris under his feet and begins clearing the campsite. He stumbles over Stew Cat a few times, keeping busy until nightfall. He finds a coconut amidst the debris and eats it; Stew Cat refuses...
(read more)