Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why couldn't the government of Curacao ask Holland for help?
Why couldn't the government of Curacao ask Holland for help?
Because Holland was taken over by the Nazis
Where did Phillip's family live before moving to Curacao?
Where did Phillip's family live before moving to Curacao?
Virginia
Why did they move to Curacao?
Why did they move to Curacao?
Phillip's dad was an expert in oil and was offered a job there
Explain why Curacao couldn't fight on their own.
Explain why Curacao couldn't fight on their own.
List the effects of the German submarines lurking off the coast.
List the effects of the German submarines lurking off the coast.
What happened to the Empire Tern when it tried to leave Curacao?
What happened to the Empire Tern when it tried to leave Curacao?
Why did Phillip's father tell him he couldn't stay in Curacao?
Why did Phillip's father tell him he couldn't stay in Curacao?
What happened at about 3:00am on April 6, 1942?
What happened at about 3:00am on April 6, 1942?
How did Phillip end up on the raft?
How did Phillip end up on the raft?
How did Phillip know that Timothy was from the West Indies?
How did Phillip know that Timothy was from the West Indies?
How did Timothy make a shelter from the sun for them?
How did Timothy make a shelter from the sun for them?
Why wouldn't Timothy give Phillip more water?
Why wouldn't Timothy give Phillip more water?
Do you think it was fair that Timothy didn't give Phillip more water?
Do you think it was fair that Timothy didn't give Phillip more water?
Why did Phillip treat Timothy with a lack of respect?
Why did Phillip treat Timothy with a lack of respect?
Why did Timothy tell Phillip that his blindness was only temporary?
Why did Timothy tell Phillip that his blindness was only temporary?
What might have happened if Timothy had not stopped Phillip from losing control when he found out he was blind?
What might have happened if Timothy had not stopped Phillip from losing control when he found out he was blind?
What did Timothy do to try to get the attention of the people in the aircraft?
What did Timothy do to try to get the attention of the people in the aircraft?
Why did Timothy get upset at Phillip when he fell off the raft?
Why did Timothy get upset at Phillip when he fell off the raft?
Why did Phillip think it would be better to stay on the raft instead of going on the island?
Why did Phillip think it would be better to stay on the raft instead of going on the island?
What is Langosta?
What is Langosta?
Why did Phillip become afraid when Timothy was on his walk?
Why did Phillip become afraid when Timothy was on his walk?
What island did Timothy think they were on?
What island did Timothy think they were on?
Why was Phillip worried about Timothy's age?
Why was Phillip worried about Timothy's age?
Why couldn't Timothy come up with a word to write in the sand?
Why couldn't Timothy come up with a word to write in the sand?
Study Notes
Curacao Background
- Curacao could not ask Holland for help due to Holland's takeover by Nazis.
- Phillip's family relocated from Virginia to Curacao for his father's oil job.
Military Situation
- Curacao lacked sufficient weapons and fighters, rendering it unable to fight independently.
- German submarines posed grave threats, capable of sinking ships, sending missiles, or taking over the island.
Events Leading to Conflict
- The Empire Tern was attacked and exploded by Germans while trying to leave Curacao.
- Phillip's father deemed Curacao unsafe for their family.
Escape and Survival
- At 3:00 AM on April 6, 1942, Phillip’s ship was hit by a torpedo during an escape attempt.
- Timothy assisted Phillip onto a life raft after the ship was damaged.
Race and Respect
- Phillip recognized Timothy's West Indian origin through his accent and skin color.
- Phillip initially disrespected Timothy, reflecting his learned prejudices about race.
Survival on the Raft
- Timothy created sun protection using clothes, emphasizing their resourcefulness.
- Limited water supply led Timothy to ration drinking water carefully to avoid depletion.
Emotional Reactions
- Timothy comforted Phillip by claiming his blindness was temporary, attempting to stabilize his morale.
- Phillip's potential panic at his blindness could have jeopardized their safety on the raft.
Communication and Safety Concerns
- Timothy tried signaling planes with a burning torch to attract attention.
- Phillip's fall from the raft incited Timothy's anger due to shark threats in the area.
Decisions and Fears
- Phillip preferred staying on the raft due to fears of dangerous wildlife on land.
- Timothy believed they were on an island called Devil’s Mouth, indicating their uncertain location.
Concerns about Vulnerability
- Phillip feared Timothy’s age might lead to his death, highlighting their dependency on each other.
- Timothy could not write in the sand due to his inability to spell, demonstrating challenges in communication and education.
Unique Terminology
- Langosta identified as a clawless lobster, showcasing local terminology and cultural references.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the first eight chapters of 'The Cay' with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key details such as characters, settings, and important events. Perfect for review or study sessions!
