Touching Spirit Bear Chapters 3-6

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Questions and Answers

What are some examples Cole gives when asked what he doesn't like about his life?

The Mom is described as a barbie doll and The Dad is described as an alcoholic.

Why does Garvey bring groceries to Cole's cell?

The groceries represent Cole's life.

What are the ingredients in Cole's life cake?

Violence, Abuse, Disrespect, Disapprove, and Loneliness.

How does Cole plan to escape the island, and what happens when he tries?

Cole tries to swim to another island but the current pulls him back to shore. Signup and view all the answers

What strong and haunting realization scares Cole more than anything else as he rests on the coals?

He realizes that he's totally alone. Signup and view all the answers

According to Garvey, why is it important for Peter to forgive Cole?

So that he can heal. Signup and view all the answers

What are the final two circles Cole will be expected to attend?

The Bail Circle and The Sentencing Circle. Signup and view all the answers

What is Garvey's response when Cole asks, 'Is everything always a circle?'

'Life is always a circle.' Signup and view all the answers

According to The Keeper, why does justice too often fail?

It seeks to punish you. Signup and view all the answers

For whom is Circle Justice meant?

Peter and Cole. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the feather at the Circle Justice Meeting?

Whoever has the feather can talk. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates people to attend the hearing for Cole and Peter?

They're worried about their community and don't want any more violence. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cole's reaction after Peter speaks at the first Circle Hearing?

'If he had kept his mouth shut we wouldn't be here.' Signup and view all the answers

When Cole first sees the Spirit Bear, what about the bear angers him and what does he vow to do?

The bear is not afraid of him and Cole vows to kill the bear. Signup and view all the answers

What object does Cole find lying on the ground?

The at.'toow. Signup and view all the answers

According to Peter's mother, how badly injured is her son?

Peter has memory loss, nightmares, and speech problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is Peter's response when the feather is passed to him?

He wants revenge. Signup and view all the answers

According to Garvey, what is the banishment?

It allows the person to spend time by themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a vision quest as recommended by Garvey?

It allows the person to think about what they did and it's a long period of isolation. Signup and view all the answers

Would Cole be free after serving his year on the island? Explain your answer.

They have to see if he has changed. If he hasn't he may have to spend some jail time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Cole's mother is depicted as a superficial "barbie doll," indicating her lack of depth and care.
Cole's father struggles with alcoholism, contributing to a neglectful home environment.

Cole's Life and Struggles

Garvey symbolizes Cole's life by bringing groceries to his cell, highlighting his isolation and disconnection.
Cole's life is metaphorically represented as a cake made of ingredients like violence, abuse, disrespect, disapproval, and loneliness, emphasizing the chaos of his upbringing.

Escape Attempts

Cole attempts to escape the island by swimming to another island, but the current forces him back, illustrating his struggles against natural and personal limitations.

Realizations and Isolation

During a moment of reflection on the coals, Cole comes to a haunting realization of his utter loneliness, which frightens him more than any confrontation.

Forgiveness and Healing

According to Garvey, Peter must learn to forgive Cole to facilitate healing, suggesting the emotional weight of revenge vs. reconciliation.

Circle Justice

Cole is required to participate in two final circles: the Bail Circle and the Sentencing Circle, which shows the structure of accountability in his journey.
The Circle Justice process includes various meetings, which Garvey explains as a life cycle: "Life is always a circle."

Justice and Community

The Keeper points out that traditional justice fails because it focuses on punishment rather than healing.
Circle Justice is created for both Peter and Cole to address their conflict and communal concerns, as attendees fear further violence in their community.

Conflict and Aggression

After Peter speaks in the Circle Hearing, Cole reacts defensively, blaming Peter for the situation, indicating his struggle with responsibility.
Cole's initial encounter with the Spirit Bear infuriates him since the bear shows no fear, prompting Cole’s vow to kill it, underscoring his violent tendencies.

Symbolism and Tools

Cole finds the at.'toow (a traditional object) on the ground, signifying potential connections to his heritage and personal growth.

Peter's Trauma

Peter's mother reveals her son's severe injuries, including memory loss, nightmares, and speech problems, emphasizing the deep impact of Cole's actions.

Revenge vs. Forgiveness

When the feather is passed to Peter, he expresses a desire for revenge, highlighting struggles with forgiveness and the cycle of violence.

Themes of Isolation and Reflection

Garvey introduces the concept of banishment, allowing Cole solitary time to reflect on his actions and their consequences.
A vision quest is suggested as a therapeutic isolation period for Cole to contemplate his past, rooted in First Nation practices.

Consequences for Cole

Cole's future freedom after spending a year on the island hinges on demonstrating personal change; if not achieved, prison time may still await him, reflecting the consequences of his past behavior.

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Description

This quiz covers study guide questions from Chapters 3-6 of 'Touching Spirit Bear'. It explores themes of abuse, neglect, and the symbolism represented by Garvey's actions. Test your understanding of Cole's character and the pivotal moments in these chapters.