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

2. In Chapter 3, why does Phillip begin to dislike Timothy?

3. What is the last name of Phillip's friend, Henrik?

4. Why does Phillip dangle his hand over the edge of the raft?

5. Which of his mother's attitudes does Phillip agree with for the first time in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Phillip, Sr. say that Grace and Phillip should not leave Curacao?

2. Who are the occupants of the raft Phillip wakes up on after the S.S. Hato sinks?

3. At noon on Phillip's and Timothy's third day on the raft, what does Timothy do for Phillip as a plane passes overhead?

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

5. In Chapter 2, why does the refinery shut down?

6. What is unusual about Grace's reaction when the S.S. Hato is torpedoed?

7. What activity do Phillip and Henrik often engage in when they visit the harbor?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters in The Cay show great determination to achieve what they want. Name three characters who show determination. What are they determined to do? How do they achieve their goals?

Essay Topic 2

Phillip's opinion of Timothy changes a great deal from the time he first meets Timothy to the end of the novel. Describe Phillip's initial opinion of Timothy and how it changes over time. Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Define the term "protagonist." How does Phillip fit the definition of a protagonist? What characteristics of a protagonist does he have? Is Timothy also a protagonist? Why or why not?

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