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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, how does Phillip react to the amount of water Timothy gives him?

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

3. Who is afraid of airplanes?

4. In Chapter 6, where does Timothy think he and Phillip will be better off?

5. In Chapter 3, what is Phillip doing when Timothy tells him he feels the same way, but there is nothing to be gained by it?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Who are the occupants of the raft Phillip wakes up on after the S.S. Hato sinks?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

What is the importance of Stew Cat in The Cay? What does he represent to Phillip? What does he represent to Timothy? How might Phillip's experience on the island been different had he not had Stew Cat?

Essay Topic 3

When Phillip and Timothy first meet, they are two very different people. Do you think this changes as the story progresses? Do Timothy and Phillip grow more alike? Why or why not? If so, which of the characters change and how does he change?

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