Questions and Answers
Why is Cole Matthews banished to live alone on an island in Southeast Alaska for one year?
He beat up Peter because he snitched on him for robbing a store.
Why doesn't Cole trust Garvey, his parole officer?
He doesn't trust people that aren't afraid of him.
Why does Edwin, the Tlingit elder, require Cole to wear his clothing inside out?
They want to humiliate him & to make him realize he's not in control.
What is Cole's philosophy about fear?
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What does Cole learn from 'being referred' repeatedly, while being told each time that it is his 'last chance'?
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Why do you think counseling and threats have no effect on Cole?
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How does Cole describe his parents near the beginning of the story?
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Cole has a habit of blaming others for his mistakes. Give an example of this behavior.
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What is The Circle Justice?
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What is one of the first signs that Cole does not plan to honor his commitment to stay on the island for a year?
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Living alone on an island off the coast of Alaska can be very dangerous. How does Edwin try to convince Cole of both the danger and Cole's personal responsibility for survival?
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When Cole states that he is not afraid to die, does Edwin believe him? How do you know?
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Edwin asks Cole how would you feel if a bear made its den beside the stream. Cole answers, 'I'd kill it.' What is Edwin's response?
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According to Edwin, what can be learned from the animals on the island?
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What is a Spirit Bear?
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What does Edwin mean when he says, 'You live or die by your actions'?
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Garvey gives Cole his at.o'ow. What is an at.o'ow, & what conditions come with it?
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Cole is very good at manipulation. Give an example from Chapter 2 that shows how Cole manipulates people.
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Why does Cole burn down the shelter Edwin had made for him?
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Using words or phrases from the text, describe Cole's personality.
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Study Notes
Cole Matthews' Situation
- Cole Matthews is banished to a Southeast Alaskan island for one year due to severely assaulting Peter, who testified against him for theft.
- His background suggests that previous attempts at rehabilitation have failed.
Relationship with Garvey
- Cole has a deep-seated distrust towards Garvey, his parole officer, believing that individuals who are not intimidated by him cannot be trusted.
Tlingit Cultural Practices
- Edwin, a Tlingit elder, mandates that Cole wear his clothing inside out as a form of humiliation, aiming to strip him of a false sense of control.
Philosophy on Fear
- Cole believes fear is universal; everyone harbors fears of some sort.
Consequences of Actions
- Cole realizes the repeated references to having "one last chance" indicate that he has squandered numerous opportunities for redemption.
Ineffectiveness of Counseling
- Counseling and threats have little impact on Cole due to their repetitive nature, which diminishes their effectiveness.
Family Background
- Cole describes his father as an alcoholic and his mother as superficial, likening her to a "Barbie Doll," indicating an unstable family dynamic.
Blame Shifting
- Cole exhibits a tendency to shift blame for his violent behavior, suggesting that Peter's inability to defend himself led to his severe beating.
Circle Justice
- Circle Justice is a Native American restorative justice process aimed at transforming lives rather than punishing offenders.
Initial Defiance
- Cole shows early signs of rebellion against his commitment by expressing disdain for being made to sleep in a cabin on the island.
Survival Lessons
- Edwin imparts life lessons about survival, emphasizing that choices directly correlate with survival outcomes: "If You Eat You Live," and "If You Don't You Die."
Disbelief in Cole's Fearlessness
- Edwin does not accept Cole’s claim of being unafraid of death, indicating skepticism about Cole's bravado.
Understanding Animal Behavior
- When Cole expresses his intention to kill a bear that intrudes upon his space, Edwin highlights that animals possess emotions similar to humans.
Learning from Wildlife
- Edwin encourages Cole to observe the animals on the island, suggesting they embody qualities such as strength, gentleness, honesty, and patience.
The Spirit Bear
- The Spirit Bear is a rare black bear with white fur native to British Columbia, symbolizing pride, honor, and dignity.
Actions and Consequences
- Edwin articulates that a person's fate is dictated by their actions, reinforcing the concept of personal responsibility.
At.o'ow Symbolism
- Garvey presents Cole with an at.o'ow, a culturally significant item symbolizing responsibility and continuity among individuals.
Manipulative Behavior
- Cole demonstrates manipulation by skillfully crafting statements to convince others of his perspective.
Destructive Behavior
- In an act of rebellion, Cole burns down the shelter crafted by Edwin, stemming from his resentment towards his parents for sending him to the island.
Personality Traits
- Cole is characterized by cold-heartedness, dangerous behavior, rudeness, selfishness, and significant anger issues, which define his interactions with others.
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Description
Test your understanding of the first two chapters of 'Touching Spirit Bear'. This quiz covers key events and character motivations, focusing on Cole Matthews and his journey toward healing. Ideal for students studying the novel in class or for personal review.
