Cay by Theodore Taylor Book Review

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Cay by Theodore Taylor

The Transformation of Philip

One of the major changes that affects Philip when he is shipwrecked on the Cay is the loss of his vision. In many ways, this loss is the worst ordeal that Philip has to deal with, because it leaves him completely in the power of his companion, Timothy. Even worse, Philip has no particular affinity for Timothy due to the latters' race. Timothy is a person of African descent. However, Philip's blindness is actually one of the turning points in this story in which he begins to overcome his racial prejudice; Timothy takes on the role of providing for Philip and acting as his protector. Timothy's reaction to Philip's blindness actually enables Philip to feel a sense of endearment for him. It is this feeling of endearment that eventually helps Philip to overcome his prejudice of Timothy, and which allows the pair to foster an unmistakable bond and a poignant friendship.

Another fairly eminent incident that happens to Philip once he is stranded on the island with Timothy in The Cay is the dispute the pair have about Philip's lack of cooperation in assisting Timothy with work necessary to survive on the island.
The most significant effect of the argument that ensues due to Philip's obstinance about being told to work -- particularly by a person of African descent who he was taught not to like by his mother -- is that Timothy actually strikes Philip. Timothy's blow to Philip serves as a wakeup call of sorts for the latter -- which simultaneously helps to reinforce the gravity of the situation that Philip is in, as well as emphasizes the amount of authority that Timothy essentially has over Philip since he is the sole adult on the island with him. This incident changes Philip in two respects -- it both fuels his dislike for Timothy, and ultimately underscores the worst of the pair's relationship, which only gets better after this point.….....

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https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/cay-theodore-taylor-67708