The Cay
Taylor, Theodore
Readability: 6
Setting: Cay near Panama
Age of Main Character 12

"I said, 'Tlmothy, ' but he did not answer me. His hand was cold and stiff in mine. Old Timothy, of Charlotte Amalie, was dead.

I stayed beside him for a long time, very tired, thinking that he should have taken me with him wherever he had gone. I did not cry then. There are times when you are beyond tears. "

Phillip was now alone, except for Stew Cat, on the small island. He was alone, and he was blind. Could he survive without Timothy? Would he be rescued?

Phillip Enright and his mother left the island of Curacao in 1942 when the Germans attacked the island. They were headed for Virginia until it was safe to return.

The ship Phillip was on was torpedoed. Phillip found himself on a raft with an old black man named Timothy. In the attack, Phillip received a head injury and was left blind. He depended upon Timothy to save his life.

On a small Caribbean island, Timothy taught Phillip to take care of himself. Later when a hurricane hit the Cay, Timothy died, and Phillip was left alone with Stew Cat, the cook's cat.

Questions:

1. What is the story about?


2. How did Phillip help Timothy?


3. How did Timothy teach Phillip to be self-sufficient?


4. What happened to Timothy and Phillip?


5. If you were suddenly blinded, what would you do for yourself?