The Cay Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Is war a necessary part of life? What does The Cay suggest about this question? Do you agree or disagree?
  2. Who would you want to be stranded on a desert island with? Why?
  3. How is violence in the natural world different from human forms of violence, like war? What does the book seem to say? What do you think?
  4. Timothy sacrifices himself for Phillip in the storm that hits the island. Why? Who has made sacrifices for you in your life? Who would you make sacrifices for?
  5. Though they're very different, Phillip and Timothy find a common ground on which to build a friendship. How do they do so? How can we relate to people who are different from us in our daily life?
  6. Do you think the tempest could be a symbol for something? If so, what does it symbolize?