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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 is afraid of airplanes?

2. In Chapter 3, how much water does Timothy give Phillip when he first asks for it?

3. In Chapter 3, why does Phillip vomit over the side of the raft?

4. In Chapter 5, whom does Timothy say is bad luck?

5. At the beginning of the book, what is the name of the town where Phillip and his family live?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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. Why is the S.S. Hato sailing to Panama before going to Miami?

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

6. What does Timothy say the island he spots looks like?

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

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

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

10. Why doesn't Phillip want to leave Curacao with his mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

There are two major settings in The Cay. What are they? How do each of these settings affect the storyline and Phillip? Would another setting, such as a modern-day setting, have been as effective in developing Phillip's character? Why or why not?

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