Character Conflicts In The Cay By Theodore Taylor

Throughout the book ‘The Cay’, a book written by Theodore Taylor, the main character, Phillip, through many changes with the different conflicts he has to face, develops independence, determination, and satisfaction. He starts as dependent on his parents and Timothy, ungrateful and disrespectful, and troublesome. But through having to face with conflicts such as the hurricane, becoming blind, Timothy’s death, and the boat crash, he becomes the aforementioned character traits; Having to deal with these serious topics as well as being mentally and physically immature, he changes immensely as a character.
In essence, Phillip establishes independence after experiencing Timothy’s death, evident by when he was able to survive by himself both mentally
To begin, earlier in the book, he is unbalanced and overly-dramatic when beginning to go on the island. He can’t let Timothy leave him alone, he sees the bad in the situation. This is evident by the author stating “During the first few days on the island, the times I spent alone were terrible. It was, of course, not being able to see that made it so terrifying.” (Pages 65-66, Chapter 8). This brings it more forward that he cannot handle his blindness or the circumstance he is in. Phillip, or course, does not see ant content or happiness in this island. Though, he develops this trait more whenever he and Timothy start being less like strangers and more like friends, learning to find happiness where he can and look at the bright side. In other words, “Suddenly, I wished my mother and father could see us on the little island… I remember smiling in the darkness, He felt neither black nor white.” (Page 75-76, Chapter 8). He is acquiring, slowly, to not take what you have for granted- take your chances, and enjoy life, even in the worst circumstances. Lastly, when he shows the trait in its most dominant form, whenever he is at last rescued, regained his sight, and with his parents, he is calm with his personal psyche, not angry, sad, or vengeful- he wants to go back there one day, to the place that made him a better person. To demonstrate “Since then , I’ve spent many hours looking at the charts of the Caribbean.. Someday, I’ll charter a schooner out to Panama..” (Pages 131-132, Chapter 19). This last piece of evidence is why he has become satisfied, mature, and an opportunist- he can look back at this event happily, because it made him a better person. Throughout the entire book, it is shown more and more, until the end, where it is obvious the cay has changed him for the