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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. When the refinery shuts down, what are the Allies unable to get from the island?

2. What do the islanders call the Chinese crewmen when they refuse to sail?

3. What is the name of the bridge that gives Phillip and Henrik a view of the harbor?

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

5. What does Timothy use to make the lean-to on the raft?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 2, what actions do Phillip and Grace take to stay safe from the Germans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does Phillip change from an innocent to a more worldly character during the course of the novel? What events lead to the change? Does he maintain any of his innocence? Why or why not?

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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