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November 29, 2016
Phillip’s Changing Physical and Mental Strength
Like a bird spreading its wings for the its first flight, Phillip, too, has learned to be
mentally and physically prepared for what lies ahead. Phillip Enright, the protagonist, changes
from weak to strong in The Cay by Theodore Taylor. In The Cay, Phillip has been stranded on an
island with an older black man, Timothy. Phillip must face multiple challenges on the island
while also being blind. When first stranded on the island, Phillip demanded Timothy to stay near
him at all times, yet after losing Timothy to a terrible storm, Phillip proved to be physically and
mentally strong.
During the rising action, Phillip was mentally and physically weak with and without his
eyesight. When arriving on the cay without the ability to see, Phillip he proved he could not
handle the difficulties of being stranded. For example, Timothy makes the choice to explore the
island so they could be more around of their surroundings, but because Phillip was mentally
weak, he often thought negative thoughts when isolated. “Realizing that I was alone on the beach
I became frightened. I knew how helpless I was without Timothy” (59). The powerful and
intentional use of the word “knew” shows that Phillip had little faith and drive to do anything
useful for his survival. Furthermore, by letting his negative thoughts consume him and by
convincing himself that there was nothing productive to do, Phillip shows his lack of strength
physically and mentally.
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In the falling action after Timothy’s death, Phillip becomes more independent mentally
and physically. He is able to have his own opinions as well as learn survival strategies even
while being blind. “I must feed myself and Stew Cat. I must rebuild the hut and build another
signal fire down on East beach; then I must spend each day listening for the sound of an aircraft”
(115). Phillip’s thoughts show that he is finally coming to terms with his responsibility, and that
he has the drive to survive and take care of himself and others. By creating tasks for himself, he
is becoming more productive and strengthening his mental and physical awareness and
motivation. Phillip’s thoughts about survival show how he has matured. When Phillip uses words
like “must”, he demonstrates his understanding of the urgency to take care of himself and of
Stewcat. Through Phillip’s actions and feelings, Phillip is now able to take his flight by being in
touch with his physical and mental strength.
Phillip, the protagonist in The Cay, has developed from a weak to strong on his journey
through racial prejudice. In the beginning of his journey, he is mentally and physically weak due
to his lack of drive and ignorance. He allows his disability to get in his way of growing, but
throughout the climax and falling action, his thoughts and feelings prove that he knows a change
must come from within. He proves his strength of heart and mind by being independent and
dedicated to his survival as well as others’. Now with his strength in his heart and in his actions,
Phillip is finally free to fly like a bird spreading its wings.
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