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?
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What strong and haunting realization scares Cole more than anything else as he rests on the coals?
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According to Garvey, why is it important for Peter to forgive Cole?
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What are the final two circles Cole will be expected to attend?
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What is Garvey's response when Cole asks, 'Is everything always a circle?'
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According to The Keeper, why does justice too often fail?
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For whom is Circle Justice meant?
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What is the purpose of the feather at the Circle Justice Meeting?
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What motivates people to attend the hearing for Cole and Peter?
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What is Cole's reaction after Peter speaks at the first Circle Hearing?
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When Cole first sees the Spirit Bear, what about the bear angers him and what does he vow to do?
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What object does Cole find lying on the ground?
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According to Peter's mother, how badly injured is her son?
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What is Peter's response when the feather is passed to him?
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According to Garvey, what is the banishment?
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What is a vision quest as recommended by Garvey?
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Would Cole be free after serving his year on the island? Explain your answer.
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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.
