The Cay Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Squirming and jumping in my hand, it was small but fat. I grinned over toward Timothy. When I had fished before, it was fun. Now, I felt I had done something very special. I was learning to do things all over again, by touch and feel. (13.21)

The blind Phillip must learn to do everything in a new way. Things that once seemed ordinary now take on a new meaning.

Quote #8

Squatting near me, his teeth crunching the coconut, Timothy said, "You see, Phill-eep, you do not need d'eye now. You 'ave done widout d'eye what I couldn't do wid my whole body."

It was almost as if I'd graduated from the survival course that Timothy had been putting me through since we landed on the cay. (13.49-50)

With a little prompting, Phillip finally climbs the coconut tree. This event symbolizes both his independence and his willingness to do things for other people.

Quote #9

I had now been with him every moment of the day and night for two months, but I had not seen him. I remember that ugly welted face. But now, in my memory, it did not seem ugly at all. It seemed only kind and strong.

I asked, "Timothy, are you still black?"

His laughter filled the hut. (13.52-54)

Phillip's blindness allows him to cast aside his preconceived notions and get to know Timothy in a different way. Phillip's views of Timothy are completely transformed here.