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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the incident with the Tern, what doesn't Phillip find exciting anymore?

2. Who helps Phillip into his life jacket when their boat is sinking?

3. In Chapter 3, how does Phillip react to the amount of water Timothy gives him?

4. In Chapter 6, what does Timothy tell Phillip a man can do in these waters?

5. In Chapter 4, when Phillip wakes up in the dark after feeling ill, what time does Timothy tell him it is?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Timothy warn Phillip not to dangle his hands over the side of the raft into the water?

2. Why does Grace say she doesn't like living in Curacao?

3. When the S.S. Empire Tern is sunk, what does Philip realize about the crew that was on board?

4. During their conversation about the war, why does Henrik seem to Phillip to be so knowledgeable about the goings on of the military?

5. At the beginning of the book, what do Phillip and Henrik find when they visit the harbor against their mothers' wishes?

6. When Phillip realizes he is blind, what story does Timothy tell him to attempt to soothe him?

7. In Chapter 6, what happens that causes Phillip to fall off the raft into the water?

8. What information does Timothy provide Phillip about himself when Phillip asks where Timothy comes from?

9. In Chapter 5, what does Phillip think he is glad he got to see before going blind?

10. Why does Phillip accuse Timothy of being stingy when they are on the raft?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Timothy's voodoo religion is a source of fear for Phillip. What does Phillip fear? Is it Timothy? Is it the religion or the religious practices? Or, is Timothy's religion another aspect of Timothy that Phillip feels superior to in some way?

Essay Topic 2

There are many examples of symbolism in The Cay. Name five of these symbols and discuss what each of them represents. Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

What point of view is The Cay told from? Why do you think the author chose this point of view? Would another point of view have been as effective? Why or why not?

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