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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. In Chapter 6, when Phillip reminds Timothy that they've spotted land, what returns to Timothy's voice?

2. What is the destination of the ship Phillip and his mother leave the island on?

3. After Phillip goes blind, how long does Timothy tell him it will take him to regain his sight?

4. How does Phillip's father feel about the prospect of the supply ships sailing again?

5. Who sends the S.S. Empire Tern to the island?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. As the novel opens, why is young Phillip excited?

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

4. Why did Phillip's family move to Curacao?

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

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

7. Why does Timothy order Phillip to crawl around the raft, not walk?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several instances of racism in The Cay. Name three different characters or groups of people who display racism. Who are they? Whom do they dislike? What do they do or say?

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

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?

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