Touching Spirit Bear Part 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who is the nurse taking care of Cole?

Rosey

Cole feels drowsy after the medicine kicks in.

True

What does Garvey say about his childhood in relation to Cole?

He sees a lot of himself in Cole because he went through a tough childhood and adolescence.

What major realization does Cole come to?

The memory of Spirit Bear is something he will keep forever. Signup and view all the answers

Cole tried to kill the _____ on the island.

bear Signup and view all the answers

What is Cole's attitude towards jail after his transformation?

He knows there's a good chance he will go to jail but decides to speak the truth from now on. Signup and view all the answers

Cole Matthews sits on a boat with handcuffs on because he's agreed to spend a whole year in ________ to avoid jail.

Southeast Alaska Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their roles:

Cole Matthews = Main character Garvey = Parole officer Edwin = Tlingit elder Peter Driscal = Victim of Cole's violence Signup and view all the answers

What does Circle Justice focus on?

Healing and bettering yourself instead of just punishment Signup and view all the answers

What is the punishment Cole faces for his actions?

Banishment to an island Signup and view all the answers

What does Cole think about his time on the island?

He thinks it's a joke and doesn't plan to take it seriously. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Cole decides to set his shelter on fire?

He feels trapped and watches it burn to the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cole plan to do when he feels left alone on the island?

Jump into the water and swim away Signup and view all the answers

What creature does Cole see that is significant to his journey?

Spirit Bear Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cole feel contempt for his parents?

They are divorced and neglectful, not standing up for him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Garvey try to teach Cole about ingredients during a visit in detention?

That good things can come from bad beginnings Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical idea does Edwin share with Cole regarding animals?

He needs to learn patience, gentleness, strength, and honesty from them. Signup and view all the answers

Cole feels he has been ________ by the people around him.

treated like garbage Signup and view all the answers

What does Cole do when he can't swim to the next island?

Recognize his swimming mistake Signup and view all the answers

What physical condition is Peter in after the assault by Cole?

He has speech and coordination problems. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cole eat to survive on the island?

Grass, worms, beetles, and even a mouse. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happens to Cole after he is seriously injured?

He is found and taken by Garvey and Edwin in a boat. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter One

Cole Matthews is on a boat, handcuffed, to spend a year in Southeast Alaska as part of a deal to avoid jail in Minneapolis.
Accompanying him are Garvey, his parole officer, and Edwin, a Tlingit elder who guides the boat.

Preparing for Isolation

Edwin prepares a shelter on the island for Cole's solitary stay and insists he wear his clothes inside out for the first two weeks to symbolize shame.
Cole dismisses these traditions, feeling unrepentant and believing he cannot be reformed despite past therapy sessions.

Circle Justice Concept

Cole is subjected to Circle Justice, a Native American approach emphasizing healing rather than punishment.
His violent past includes breaking into a hardware store and severely beating Peter Driscal, causing potential permanent damage.
Cole's abusive upbringing shapes his resentment toward his divorced parents, highlighting his anger and lack of support in detention.

Arrival on the Island

Upon arrival, Cole sees the supplies he has, including his homework, which he finds laughable and irrelevant to his situation.
Edwin informs Cole that he is completely on his own, needing to learn survival skills, while Cole feigns confidence.

Encountering Spiritual Lessons

Edwin discusses the importance of learning from animals, particularly mentioning the Spirit Bear—a mythical white bear.
Cole's hostility surfaces when he claims he would harm the Spirit Bear, demonstrating his refusal to accept guidance from Edwin.

Internal Struggles and Actions

Feeling abandoned after Garvey and Edwin leave, Cole's anger propels him to burn down the shelter, symbolizing his defiance and self-destructive tendencies.

Reflection and Realization

Alone on the island, Cole battles feelings of neglect and betrayal, considering his life of abuse and neglect.
A moment of introspection leads him to laugh and cry simultaneously, revealing deep emotional conflict as he contemplates escape.

Hearing Circle Dynamics

In a prior Hearing Circle, various parties express their sentiments about Cole's actions, with Peter voicing his pain and desire for justice.

Physical Challenges and Bear Encounter

Cole attempts to swim to freedom but struggles against the tide, returning exhausted to the island.
While recuperating, Cole encounters the Spirit Bear but plans to kill it, betraying a lack of accountability for his past actions.

Bear Attack and Consequences

The Spirit Bear retaliates fiercely when Cole attempts to confront it, leading to a harrowing attack.
Injured and bleeding, Cole realizes the severity of his situation as he contemplates his impending death.

Struggle for Survival

Alone and in pain, Cole faces his mortality, reflecting on his past and the nature of compassion as he fights to stay alive.
As he recovers from injuries, he begins searching for food despite the terrible circumstances, showing a will to survive.

Transformation and Growth

Cole's evolving perception occurs when he is swept into a feverish dream, awakening to a deeper awareness of himself and life.
After being rescued, he reflects on his choices and begins to grasp important lessons about truth and personal accountability.

Reaching for Redemption

During recovery, Cole acknowledges his poor decisions, recognizing the possibility of change and healing.
Garvey, who sees his own struggles in Cole, strives to support him despite the challenging path ahead.

Final Realizations

Cole ultimately resolves to speak the truth and seek a new path, moving towards acceptance and personal growth amidst the chaos of his past.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter One of 'Touching Spirit Bear'. It reviews key details about the protagonist, Cole Matthews, and his journey to Alaska. Engage with important concepts and characters that set the stage for Cole's transformative experience.