The themes that emerge from the characters in The Cay are different depending on the two contrasting main characters. Through Philip the theme of race appears. He is 11 years old and already has prejudiced ideas about people who are not white.These ideas are taken from his parents.On the other hand, from Timothy, a black West Indian man, we perceive the theme of sacrifice.The character, who has grown fond of blinded Philip, will give up his life to protect the boy.
The theme that is mostly discerned in the book is that of relationships.There is a transformation in Philip towards Timothy and the decisions he makes so as to survive, either while on the raft and then on the island.At the beginning, Philip reacts violently, does nort accept what Timothy does and then he understands the black boy only means for them to survive.
One piece of evidence would be that part when Philip, fed up with the chores Timothy asks of him, calls him ugly and stupid.After that he senses that all Timothy does is to help him survive-Philip is blind and cannot do much on his own.That understanding makes him closer to the black man and they start talking.Morover, when Timothy has a fever it is Philip who helps him get better.
Unfortunately, when a hurricane hits the island Timothy loses his life when he uses his body as a shield to protect Philip.After he is finally recued he prefers the company of black West Indian people because he knows now about their values and principles. This way we see that the main theme in the story is that of relationships as Philip has learnt to esteem the man who saved his life.
