In Theodore Taylor's novel *The Cay*, Timothy doesn't know how to write because he is a
young boy who has not yet learned. The story takes place during World War II, and Timothy is a
child of privilege, living a comfortable life on an island in the Caribbean. He is
sheltered and primarily focused on his academics. However, the story doesn't specifically address Timothy's prior education in writing, suggesting that he might have received minimal formal education or simply hasn't learned writing yet.
The story revolves around Timothy's journey of survival and self-discovery after a shipwreck throws him and an old man named Phillip on a tiny cay. The circumstances of their isolation force Timothy to adapt and learn new skills, including reading and writing. This lack of knowledge about writing, combined with the desperate circumstances of the story, highlights Timothy's transformation and emphasizes the importance of literacy in his survival.