1. The Cay – Study Questions
Language Arts
Stripes

2. Chapter One Study Questions
1. To what did the author compare the German submarines?
2. Why would the enemy attach an oil refinery during a war?
3. Phillip was curious about U-boats; what danger would he face if he did spot a U-boat and shake his fist at it?
4. In what three ways was the war affecting Phillip’s life?
5. Where did Phillip use to live and what was it like there?

3. Additional study questions
In what year does this book begin?
On what island and town on the island does this story take place?
What did the Germans attack?
What was the rude oil to become?
What is the nationality of the settlers of this island?
What is a German submarine called?
In what sea is the setting of this story?
Who is telling this story? What is such a role in a book called?
Describe the narrator?
Is he an obedient son”
Who is his Dutch friend? Describe him.
Why wee the boys chased away from playing their game?
What are veerboots? Tell from the context.
Where do the boys live and why do they go home?
Explain the reason for the mother’s changing behavior.
What job does his father do?
How many subs does his father think are “out there”?
What defense does the island have?
What is the problem between his mom and dad?
Where had Phillip’s family lived? Describe it.
How does the island fight back? Why?

4. Major events of Chapter One-Summary

5. Research Question
What were the numbers of the exact U-boats that attacked in chapter one of this book? How many were there? What eventually happened to them?

6. Chapter Two Study Questions
1. What was the purpose of blackout curtains and why were they necessary?
2. What would Phillip miss if he was forced to leave the island?
3. What three concerns did the people of the Dutch West Indies of Curacao have which Phillip’s mom worried about the most?
4. What event showed Phillip that war not an exciting time?
5. What boat did Phillip and his mom take and where would they head on the first leg of the journey?

7. Additional discussion questions
1. Why does Phillip check the house at night?
2. Why does Phillip get up from bed and what does he get?
3. What does the mother want to do?
4. List three things Phillip love about the island?
5. Who are the people who demand military escorts? Why?
6. Who will not receive gas?
7. What does Phillip's father decide he must do?
8. What other problems resulted when the tankers quit coming?
9. What tanker does load with gasoline?
10.What happens to that ship?
11. How did it affect Phillip; his mother, his father?
12.What is Phillip’s fear?
13.What was the father’s fear? How can we know this fear? Is it stated? Is it implied? How?
14.What was the name of the ship? What kind was it? What is it carrying? 15.Where is it going?
16.When is this ship leaving?
17.What is the last sight Phillip has of his father?
18.Where is fore and where is aft on a ship?
19.How is Phillip’s relationship with his mother changing?
20.How do the last words of this chapter reflect the personality of Grace both then and before?

8. Major events of Chapter Two-Summary

9. Research Question for Chapter Two
Where was Germany getting oil during World War II? Why would bombing this little island be so important to the Germans that they sent U-boats to this island? What is an oil refinery?

10. Chapter Three Study Questions
1. Research
2. Describe how Phillip became separated from his mother?
3. What impression did Phillip first have of Timothy and then what did he notice as he had a conversation with him?
4. Was Timothy being overly cautious with the water or did he do the right thing? Support your opinion,

11. Major events of Chapter Three-Summary

12. Research Question for Chapter Three
Phillip’s boat was torpedoed two days after leaving Panama. Research this area and find out what Cays are around Panama in a path that the boat would be headed (towards Florida). Name the Cays of this region located approximately 15 latitude/80 longitude.

13. Chapter Four Study Questions
1. What evidence is there that Phillip learned from his environment to be biased and prejudiced toward African American people?
2. What did Phillip learn about Timothy which made YOU feel empathy (sorry for) for Timothy?
3. What dangers did they face in this chapter?
4. For how long could Phillip see and describe how he acted when he realized he was blind? Would this be an understandable reaction? Why or why not?
5.Describe the stages Phillip went through before becoming fully blind?
6. In what ways did Timothy try to comfort Phillip during this time?

14. Major events of Chapter Four-Summary

15. Research Question for Chapter Four
For how long can people live without food? water?

16. Chapter Five Study Questions
1. Explain how the plane allowed Phillip and Timothy to become closer?
2. In what way did Stew Cat help to keep Phillip calm?
3. Why do you think Timothy jumped to the conclusion that the cat was bad luck?
4. What did Phillip mean when he said, ”His eyes were becoming mine”?
5. What important role did birds play in their survival?

17. Major events of Chapter Five-Summary

18. Research Question for Chapter Five
Research the brain and show how each part of the brain operates making parts of the body function. Where exactly, considering Phillip’s blindness, was Phillip hit on the head?

19. Chapter Six Study Questions
1. How did Phillip tell morning from night?
2. What event spoiled the spotting of the island? Describe it.
3. How did Timothy help Phillip see the island?
4. Why do you think Timothy wanted to get off the sea and go to an island with no water or people?
5. Do you think they would have a better chance of being rescued if they stayed on the raft?

20. Major events of Chapter Six-Summary

21. Research Question for Chapter Six
What dangers are there in being exposed to the sun for long periods of time without shelter?

22. Chapter Seven Study Questions
1.Would you have been able to jump into shark infested water like Timothy had to. Why or why not?
2. What did Timothy suggest they do with the langosto they would catch?
3. Why was Phillip surprised that Timothy wanted to set up camp? Do you think they will only be there tow or three days? Why was Timothy telling Phillip this?
4. Describe where Phillip thinks they are and why he is a bit discouraged by that fact?
5. Describe the shape of the island and tell what advantage or disadvantage its location was to their rescue?
6. Even though they were in a bad location, why do you feel Timothy wanted them to stay there? How did he convince Phillip they still had a chance at rescue?

23. Major events of Chapter Seven-Summary

24. Research Question for Chapter Seven
What is a coral reef? What is an atoll? What are the dangers of

25. Chapter Eight Study Questions
1- for research
2. What did Phillip think the reason was that Timothy wouldn’t take him to the reef the first time? What do you think Timothy’s reason was?
3. What dangers did Phillip envision while Timothy was getting langosta?
4. What effect did Phillip’s silence have on Timothy?
5. Once they settled for the night, what shocking truth did Phillip realize?
6. What was the confusion with the rocks that showed an unflattering characteristic of Timothy’s? What characteristic did he have? How could Phillip help even though he was blind?
7. How did Timothy keep up the illusion of being able to read?

26. Major events of Chapter Eight-Summary

27. Research Question for Chapter Eight
What does illiterate mean? What was the literacy rate for blacks in the 1940s in the Caribbean Islands and in the US? Why was this the situation if the educational policy was “separate but equal”? What is it now?

28. Chapter Nine Study Questions
How did Timothy show he was thinking about Phillip’s welfare?
Was Timothy asking too much of Phillip to expect him to help with the work? Support your answer with logic and fact of the book.
Would “black mule” be considered an insult; explain. In what way did Phillip mean it?
Was it “abusive” of Timothy to have struck Phillip after Phillip slung insults at him? If you thought it was, explain what he should have done instead. If not, explain your reasons why you think it is alright to hit a child.
Do you think this incident caused the change to come over Phillip? How did he react to Timothy and explain why you think he did change?

29. Major events of Chapter Nine-Summary

30. Research Question for Chapter Nine
What is considered child abuse today? Were adults committing child abuse for the same actions in the 1940s?

31. Chapter Ten Study Questions
1. Why was the rain so important to Phillip and Timothy?
2. Was it clever of Timothy to have built the catchment?
3.How many days have passed since they were without fresh water?
4. For what reasons did Phillip want it to rain all night?
5. Contrast Phillip’s life to Timothy's. How are they alike? How are they different?
6. What universal observation did Timothy make about the true issue at the root of prejudice?
7. What things did the island provide for them to eat? What tasty treat was available but out of reach? What hints did Timothy give to Phillip to make him know he wanted Phillip to get those treats?
8. Was Phillip a patient person? Why or why not?

32. Major events of Chapter Ten-Summary

33. Research Question for Chapter Ten
Draw a catchment and then weave a mat blindfolded..

34. Chapter Eleven Study Questions
1. How do we know Phillip is beginning to become more independent?
2. What senses was Phillip using to “see” his surroundings? Explain each sense.
3. What startling realization did Phillip come to about the reasons Timothy was trying to make him more independent?
4. What did Timothy mean when he said the island must have a jumbi? What would keep this away did he think.
5. What reasons did Timothy have for suspecting Stew Cat as the jumbi?
6. What worried Phillip most about Stew Cat’s disappearance?
7. What explanation do you have for Phillip’s temporary lack of good judgment when he entered the water to see if the raft was still there?
8. What foreshadow of things to come are we left with at the end of the chapter?

35. Major events of Chapter Eleven-Summary

36. Research Question for Chapter Eleven
What are some superstitions of the West Indies? What are superstitions related to cats in any culture?

37. Chapter Twelve Study Questions
1. Did the jumbi make their luck change for the worse? What danger does Phillip now face? Do you think he will come through it?
2. What did malaria do to Timothy?
3. How did Phillip show he was a cool-headed person?
4. Was it a good thing that Timothy went into the water? Explain.
5. In what way did this chapter help you see a change in Phillip? Describe this change.

38. Major events of Chapter Twelve-Summary

39. Research Question for Chapter Twelve
Look up malaria? How do people get malaria? In what areas of the world is it most prevalent? What are the symptoms? What is the treatment? Can it be prevented?

40. Chapter Thirteen Study Questions
1. How many months were Phillip and Timothy on this cay?
2. How many extra days beyond one month have passed?
3. What dangers did Phillip face by going on the reef?
4. In what way did Timothy help Phillip see the fishing hole? Describe how he did this?
5. How would Phillip handle the fright of falling into this hole?
6. How do we know Phillip no longer feels uncomfortable around Timothy?

41. Major events of Chapter Thirteen-Summary

42. Research Question for Chapter Thirteen
How do blind people learn? What would be the scariest thing for them to learn? How do they depend on their other senses?

43. Chapter Fourteen Study Questions
1. At the end of Chapter 13, Phillip did two things that prove he is able to survive. What are these things and why were they vital things for Phillip to learn?
2. What sign was there that the castaways were in extreme trouble?
3. What things did Timothy do to ensure that they could survive a storm?
4. What was Timothy’s explanation for this sudden storm in July?
5. How did Timothy know the land closes to them? Name the two islands closest to them.
6. How did Timothy know how dangerous the tempest could be?

44. Major events of Chapter Fourteen Summary

45. Research Question for Chapter Fourteen
Look up the grades of a storm. A tempest is another word for a hurricane or typhoon. What are the wind limits for each type of storm? In what months do they usually appear? From where do they come?

46. Chapter Fifteen Study Questions
1. What signs were there that a storm was brewing out at sea ( 5)?
2. What could happen during this storm that threatened their lives?
3. At the beginning of the storm, what did they do to survive?

47. Major events of Chapter Fifteen Summary

48. Research Question for Chapter Fifteen
Describe the structure of a hurricane and why there is a period of calm.

49. Chapter Sixteen Study Questions
What two emotions did Phillip experience that showed his confusion about being alone? Give an example of how we know he was experiencing these emotions.
Although we know that Timothy prepared Phillip for the event of his being alone, what did he forget to tell Phillip?
What is the lee side of a tree?
How did Phillip tell time? Describe it.
Through the tragedy, what did Phillip find exciting?

50. Major events of Chapter Sixteen Summary

51. Research Question for Chapter Sixteen
A kinetic character changes; a static character stays the same. Determine what type of character Phillip is and prove it. What type of character is Timothy? Prove it with examples from the book.

52. Chapter Seventeen Study Questions
What did Phillip crave to eat and how did he manage to get it? Describe the scene.
What did you feel as he was trying to get this tasty treat?
What grabbed Phillip’s arm as he fished in the pool?
Should Phillip had put himself in danger like this?
What else could the author have made happen at this point in the book?

53. Major events of Chapter Seventeen Summary

54. Research Question for Chapter Seventeen
Learn about eels? Where do they live? How do they catch their prey? Why are they dangerous to man? Are they really electric?

55. Chapter Eighteen Study Questions
1. In what ways were Phillip’s other senses taking over for his sight? What could he now do that he couldn’t do before?
2. What realization did Phillip have to face when the plane few overhead and did not land?
3. What would you be feeling if you reached the same conclusion?
4. How did Phillip show he was a good problem solver?
5. How did he show he had good imagination?
6. Phillip’s depression increased at the end of the chapter. Explain. Why? Isn’t is good just to be alive?

56. Major events of Chapter Eighteen Summary

57. Research Question for Chapter Eighteen
What kinds of planes would be flying for the US in the Caribbean during WW2? What would they be looking for? What might their flight plan be? Would they be able to see or pay any attention to a small cay and a signal fire?

58. Chapter Nineteen Study Questions
1. Describe the rescue of Phillip.
2. Tell what you learned from reading this book.
3. List four lessons that Phillip learned from being blind.
4. Give your opinion on the topic of racism as applied to this book. What bothered you; what did you think was mean but maybe necessary for the purpose of the book? Would you recommend this book? Should it be taught in class again?
5. Even though the events in this book seem impossible, the author used reasonable ways that a person could survive. List ten events from this book that could actually help a person survive.
6. List several things that did not seem like they would truly happen.
There is a prequel/sequel to this book, and you are encouraged to read it on your won with not study questions or chapter sums. It is entitled Timothy of the Cay.

59. Make some predictions
1. Do you think Phillip will remain blind for the rest of his life?
2. Because Phillip loved Timothy, will he influence his parents’ when he returns home? Will they understand?
3. Has your attitude toward Phillip changed? Toward Timothy?
4. What does this book symbolize? Why did the author decide to have Phillip lose his sight? What does the blindness symbolize about how people should live their lives? Do you think 5. Phillip will go back to the way he was about being prejudice or has he changed forever?
I hope the message of this book stays with you throughout your life and gives you courage to stand up for what you know is right. Always be a survivor and give others the skills to survive all the obstacles of life, also.

60. Major events of Chapter Nineteen Summary

61. Research Question for Chapter Nineteen
The Navy saves Phillip. What type of ship was it? Investigate when the US sent ships and the types of ships to the Caribbean. What was their mission? Should the author instead used the Coast Guard as the means to rescue Phillip? What was the role of the Coast Guard in the Caribbean during WW2?

62. Week of October 30: Monday - B Day – Complete chapters and have Quiz Wednesday – B Day – Complete Chapters – Quiz 4 and Final test Tuesday – A Day – Chapter Quiz Thursday – A Day – Final test All classes must turn in their notebooks with all study questions and sums by Thursday, Nov. 2. and their foldables. The notebook is worth 500 points ( 5 grades) and the foldable is worth 400 points ( 4 grades). I will grade notebooks and foldable Thursday night . It must also have their grammar vocabulary for part four of The Cay. The sections are: grammar, vocabulary, study questions, journal, research/tests. If they bring their notebook home over the week-end, I will not have graded the quizzes.
Parents of students,
I am sending this to you so students can complete their study questions and chapter summaries. They do not have to do their research problems. We have done a few of them, and they are just challenge questions. I called JENS and they say they are up and running. If students have brought a book home, they must return it Monday so students will have the books during class. Thanks. ln