The Cay Setting Exploration

The setting of The Cay plays an essential part in the novel. Students studying this book may benefit from the use of storyboards in identifying the different aspects of setting and their effect on the plot and characters. Remind students that setting includes the location, the time period, and the weather of a story. Then, ask them to create a three-cell storyboard depicting these three components of setting in the novel. Beneath each depiction, students should describe the image and explain the way that aspect of the setting contributes to the plot or character development in the novel.

Example The Cay Setting Exploration

Time Period

The time period of the novel is important since it occurs during World War II. Once the Dutch were attacked by Germany in 1940, their territories (including Curaçao) were in danger of attack. It is because of German attacks on the oil refineries and tankers that Phillip ends up stranded on the cay.

Geographical Location

The Cay is set in the Caribbean. This area of the world is full of many little islands. Because of this, Phillip and Timothy are able to find an island to survive on after the S.S. Hato sinks.

Weather and Time of Year

The weather in the Caribbean is tropical. At first, this makes it easier for Phillip and Timothy to survive. They do not need much warm clothing and find plenty of seafood and coconuts to eat. But the climate of the Caribbean also brings a danger of hurricanes. A massive hurricane kills Timothy and puts Phillip in grave danger.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that illustrates important settings in The Cay.

1. Use the template your teacher provided.
2. Describe each of the three components of setting - Time Period, Location, and Weather.
3. Describe each setting and how it influences the plot or character development.
4. Illustrate each setting in the cell with scenes, characters, and items.