What are themes from The Cay?(eg. is it friendship, overcoming racism, etc.?)

Theodore Taylor's novel, The Cay,
touches on several themes, including those of friendship and racism as you mentioned in
your question. Phillip learns to overcome his own racist outlook through the friendship
he develops with Timothy, the West Indian sailor who saves his life on several
occasions. Phillip has inherited his racist outlook from his mother, a native of
Virginia. However, through Timothy's good deeds, loving companionship and fatherly
advice, Phillip--though blind--comes to see that color does not always matter. Timothy,
too, is able to look past the young boy's condescending manner, realizing that his
immaturity is the impetus behind his feelings. In the end, Phillip comes to love
Timothy, and when he returns to his home, he finds that he wants to spend more time with
the local native populace in the hope of better understanding them--and perhaps to meet
some of Timothy's old acquaintances. The novel also gives a glimpse into West Indian
life during World War II, a subject neglected in modern
literature.