Touching Spirit Bear is a young adult novel by Ben Mikaelsen that tells the story of Cole Matthews, a troubled and violent teenager who is sentenced to a form of restorative justice called "Circle Justice" after committing a serious crime. Through his participation in this program, Cole is forced to confront the root causes of his anger and aggression and to take responsibility for his actions. Along the way, he is aided by a variety of characters, including a wise old man named Peter, a young Native American girl named Edith, and a majestic white spirit bear.
One of the central questions of Touching Spirit Bear is whether or not Cole is capable of changing his ways and becoming a better person. Throughout the novel, Cole struggles with his own anger and violence, and it is not until he is sent to live on a deserted island as part of his Circle Justice sentence that he begins to truly confront these issues. It is there that he encounters the spirit bear, a powerful and mysterious creature that represents both the destructive power of nature and the possibility of transformation and redemption.
Another important theme in Touching Spirit Bear is the role of forgiveness in the process of healing and growth. Throughout the novel, Cole is confronted with the need to apologize for his actions and to ask for forgiveness from those he has harmed. This is a difficult and painful process for him, as it requires him to confront his own guilt and shame and to accept responsibility for the hurt he has caused. However, as he begins to open up to others and to seek their forgiveness, Cole also begins to heal and to find a sense of inner peace and healing.
A third key theme in Touching Spirit Bear is the power of nature and the natural world to heal and transform. Throughout the novel, Cole spends time on the deserted island, living off the land and reconnecting with the natural world. This experience helps him to develop a greater appreciation for the world around him and to find a sense of balance and harmony within himself.
Overall, Touching Spirit Bear is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of nature. Through the character of Cole and his journey of self-discovery, the novel asks important questions about the nature of violence, the role of forgiveness in healing, and the ways in which we can all find a sense of inner peace and balance in the world around us.
Touching Spirit Bear Study Guide
What does Cole see after allowing his mind to clear and letting himself become one with nature? Cole finds courage in this stillness, but concludes it must be scared or it would attack 63 — 64. What do you think Cole should carve? A good answer will explore the troubles with each relationship using specific examples and then explore how each person was transformed along with Cole. Cole says he would kill it, and Edwin warns him that whatever he does to the animals, he does to himself 18. Cole shows disrespect for adults, such as when he purposely spits so it will hit Edwin, believes that the adults that are supposed to help him always pass him on to others, and believes he could always get another last chance 5 — 6. What does he intend to use it for? Why is it significant that Cole gives a threatening look to Peter at the beginning of the Circle? Cole attempts to stab the bear, but it only makes it bite harder. He pushes the ancestor rock down the hill, steps into the soaking pond, and finally invites Cole into the cabin during a heavy rain 223 — 225. It can symbolize forgiveness between enemies, the link between man and nature, man's search for healing and meaning in life, and more.
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Do you think that Edwin purposely brought a leaky tent? Why does Cole throw out the hair he pulled from Spirit Bear? Why is it significant that Cole reaches out and grabs it? Then click 'Next Question' to answer the next question. Two instances are when he refuses to wear the gloves while building the cabin and when he refuses to admit that he should have eaten more for breakfast 148. How do these connect? A good answer will first define the terms in the question and then use specific examples to demonstrate the foreboding mood and suspense created by the flashbacks, the troubling insights into Cole's thought processes, and the ability for the reader to empathize with Cole and view the story from his perspective. The best answers will explore further how placing us in Cole's mindset across different points in time helps us understand Circle Justice, native rituals, and other key aspects of the novel. Cole reformulates his plans for leaving the island. What is his response? Like the tree, Cole thinks that one lives, dies, and then rots, and out of that rotting new life sprouts.
Touching Spirit Bear Chapter Questions With Answers [on2320poj3l0]
The Keeper says that they have no way of knowing if Cole is over his anger. When you have completed the free practice test, click 'View Results' to see your results. He begins to carve a canoe, but feels his anger growing, so he instead chops at the log to make it unusable for a canoe, and then begins carving a totem pole with it 180. What are his reasons? The act of physically touching the Spirit Bear can be interpreted many ways, as long as it is well defended. It shows that Cole is accepting responsibility and not blaming others. How does Cole feel about death? Why must it be of such high quality, and why do Edwin and Garvey not help him with the labour? This forms a central aspect of the coming of age story, as Cole decides to demand the respect of an adult. She states that the purpose of the justice system is to meet the needs of the offender and the victim, allowing them to heal.
Students should explore the author's descriptions of Cole's pain, helplessness, and acceptance of possible death. Starting a fire, setting up the tent, fixing dinner, and building his shelter with the supplies brought to the island 136. How does Garvey convince Cole to eat the groceries? In Ben Mikaelsen's Touching Spirit Bear, why is the following a metaphor? He catches a mouse 87. In this essay, the student should choose three prominent symbols including, among many, the Spirit Bear, the seagull, the bird nest, the thunderstorm, the wolf, the beaver, the freezing pond, the ancestor rock, etc. When Rosey asks for a blanket, Garvey wants to hand him the at. What does Garvey leave with Cole? Garvey tells Cole that they will dismantle the shelter tomorrow and head back to Minneapolis 159. Spirit Bear appears to not be afraid of Cole, remaining calm and still as Cole approaches.
