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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 Stew?

2. When Phillip first asks Timothy for water while on the raft, where does Timothy get the water?

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

4. What happens to the Tern as it sets sail?

5. What island does Henrik tell Phillip has been destroyed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a coming of age novel? How does The Cay fit into this genre? Use specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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