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

2. How does Timothy order Phillip to get around on the raft?

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

4. What type of ship is the S.S. Empire Tern?

5. What does Timothy tell Phillip is missing from the cay?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. When the S.S. Empire Tern is sunk, what does Philip realize about the crew that was on board?

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

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

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

8. At the beginning of the book, what do Phillip and Henrik find when they visit the harbor against their mothers' wishes?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

What point of view is The Cay told from? Why do you think the author chose this point of view? Would another point of view have been as effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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