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

2. Who is afraid of airplanes?

3. Off of what country's coast is the island Phillip and his parents live on at the beginning of the book?

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

5. According to Phillip's father, why can't the islanders fight the Germans?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What information does Timothy provide Phillip about himself when Phillip asks where Timothy comes from?

7. On the first night Timothy and Phillip are on the raft, what does Phillip think about as he lays looking at the stars?

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

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

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

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

Phillip's relationship with Grace has a great impact on his life and the way he approaches the world. Describe their relationship. What characteristics of Grace do you also see in Phillip? How do these characteristics define Phillip's personality and the way he goes about his life?

Essay Topic 3

Identify two examples of foreshadowing in The Cay. What are they and what future events do they foreshadow? Use specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thoughts.

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