Cay by Theodore Taylor

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.

Yet another highly significant event that takes place in The Cay and which provides a significant change in Philip and his relationship with Timothy is Timothy's illness-- malaria. In fact, the latter becomes so sick and out of sorts due to a fever he incurs that he plunges into the water off of the island. This is actually a fairly significant turning point in this book because it is one of the first times that Philip actually has to take care of Timothy. He does so, of course, by pulling the latter out of the water and helping to restore him to his health by fishing and providing valuable sustenance for him. Philip also volunteers on his own accord to climb coconut trees and procure valuable fruit for the pair. This incident helps Phillip to grow up and demonstrate his care and affection for Timothy.

Another major event that takes place on the island which produces a profound change on Phillip is Timothy's death; Timothy dies during a hurricane in which the pair have to tie themselves to a tree to prevent being swept off the island. Timothy meets his demise in his attempts to protect Philip. The ensuing sadness that Philip feels demonstrates the level of affection that he grows to have for Timothy, and demonstrates exactly how far he has come in terms of overcoming racial and prejudicial tendencies.