Question

Think about the themes that are developed and emerge through the characters and events in the novel. Is The Cay a story that is mostly about relationships or survival? Decide which theme the story is mostly about. Support your position using specific examples and evidence from the story.
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Answer 1

In The Cay the main characters survive after their ship is sunk by a torpedo during Worl War II.It seems ironic but this war in which racism is taken to a point where a leader has the power to erase jews from the face of Europe, also deals with the topics of prejudice and discrimination.Philip, a school boy brought up with some racist ideas, ends up on a raft with a black West Indian man called Timothy and a cat.From the beginning, while on the raft Philip considers that Timothy has made all the wrong decisions and does not like the fact that his existance depends on a man that is not white and who speaks with a weird accent.What makes things worse, is that as a consequence of the accident Philip is now blind.Nevetheless,with the passing of the time Philip, who has questioned all Timothy´s ideas to help the survival of the  three of them, gets fond of Timothy  .Once , when they are on an island, there is a strong storm during which Timothy protects Philip with his life.Unfortunately, he  dies as a result of being badly cut.Philip is able to see that Timothy cares for him and the cat and has given his life to shield him.He learns that all the preconceptions he once held are unreasonable.As a conclusion ,The Clay is mostly about relationships .This is shown by  how a person can change for the better by comprehending what it is to have a friend who gives his life to save a man he cares about.