Final answer:
In 'The Cay', the main conflict, stemming from the clashing perspectives of Phillip and Timothy due to their different backgrounds, evolves into a friendship that is crucial for their survival and serves to explore themes of prejudice, friendship, and growth. This external conflict drives the plot and shapes the characters' development throughout the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant conflict in the novel The Cay arises from the differing perspectives of the two main characters, Phillip and Timothy. This external conflict is rooted in their disparate backgrounds—Phillip is a young American boy, while Timothy is an elderly West Indian man. Their struggle for survival on a deserted cay after their ship is torpedoed during World War II is compounded by Phillip's initial distrust and racist attitudes towards Timothy. However, as the novel progresses, this conflict evolves into a close friendship, with Phillip overcoming his prejudices. This transformation not only deepens the characterization of both individuals but also propels the plot forward, leading to Phillip's personal growth and the resolution of their initial conflicts.
The central conflict affects the characters by challenging their core beliefs and perspectives, leading to significant character development. By facing adversity together, Phillip and Timothy learn from each other, with Phillip learning to survive under Timothy's guidance and eventually coming to see him as a friend and equal. This dynamic serves to explore the novel's themes such as the importance of friendship, the immorality of prejudice, and the struggle for survival against the odds. The resolution of this conflict is crucial to the overarching narrative, shaping both the climax and the conclusion of the plot.