All of the landscape, the air, the trees, the animals, the water, the rain, all seemed to be part of something bigger. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. It was a feast. Cole reaches out to touch the bear and grabs a tuft of white hair from its back. We thoughtfully gather quotes from our favorite books, both classic and current, and He blames the world for his problems and takes no responsibility for how his life is turning out. This website helped me pass! His words would become his only proof" (112). Never in his life had he felt so exposed, so vulnerable, so helpless. Instead of jail time or being send to a special home, Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender. He remembers lying in front of everyone, his father doing the same, and the people at the Circle doubting his ability to change. Cole's unchecked anger is a red flag that he too will be abusive like his father if the circle isn't broken. but it helped me realize it was important to control my temper. As Cole changes, he begins to feel remorse and responsibility for hurting not only Peter but himself. 'I wasn't lying.' Deliberately, he raised his hand and tossed the hair into the water. Cole even spits at the Spirit Bear. NO WAY!) ''You sure have a lot to learn about trust.''. Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear, 6. It claws, bites, and crushes Cole, breaking his arm and leaving him with gaping wounds. All white. In the novel, Touching Spirit Bear, Cole Matthews is a teenager from Minneapolis who needs to learn how to control his anger. One theme suggested in the book is everyone has anger, but you must learn to control it. Peter hadnt sounded like this before. typical of the Information Age but is a habit disdained by some diehard readers. The bear at this point becomes very much symbolic in that it appears as a sign that Cole and Peter have found the right path to their personal growth and are ready for the next step of their lives. "What you focus on becomes reality. This thought drifted about in his head but failed to gain meaning. For example, Cole often spits at others when he feels threatened. Quotes From Touching Spirit Bear 1114 Words5 Pages "There in the palm of his hand was a wad of hair. For some of us a quote becomes a mantra, a goal or a Cole learns to control that anger, and in doing so, he learns how to take responsibility for his actions and care for others. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. The novel also includes graphic descriptions of injuries. This morning, when we forgave each other, we also forgave ourselvesWe allowed ourselves to become a part of the big circle. Touching Spirit Bear Quotes and Analysis "Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself. He may not be ready to forgive you., Garvey rubbed the back of his neck, then glanced up toward the ceiling. Yes, the world was beautiful.He wondered why he had never noticed this all before. More books than SparkNotes. This quote unites many of the book's themes. This was his only alternative to going to jail. No matter how many times I read it, I enjoy it each time. Not now.'' But habits change hard., Animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher. He, catching up to Edwin until they reached the trees. Coles mother discusses how his father was beaten as a child, and she says this was a reason for him abusing Cole. All Quotes Overall wouldn't recommend to ANYONE. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. It is during this time that the Spirit Bear reappears, but only briefly. He eats mice and insects to stay alive, and just as he is about to resign himself to death, the Spirit Bear returns to him. After days he sees the Spirit bear and gets mauled (he deserved it). Cole is anxious to begin his healing process through Circle Justice, but the members of the circle disagree, saying that he already gave up his chance and that he should be tried in the adult court system. He doesnt want to be mean; he just doesnt know any better.. The author makes reference to supposedly Tlingit traditions, but they're not based on anything the Tlingit actually do. Lage, Daniel. The wilderness island setting for Cole's banishment and the Indian traditions surrounding the place demonstrate the centrality of nature to understanding the environment, culture, and personal healing. Instant PDF downloads. (including. Cole Matthews, the main character in Touching Spirit Bear, is a young boy who is prone to violence. The hard ground pushed at his wounded body like a big hand shoving him away. - Eventually, Peter is invited to stay on the island, where they eventually become friends. Theres a lot you can learn from it. The novel ends with Peter and Cole carving a circle into the last empty space on Coles totem pole, symbolizing the unity and peace that they have found on the island. He soaks in the pond, carries the stone, and spends his days working hard. GradeSaver, 10 June 2011 Web. He has been stealing and lying for years, but everyone has had it out of hm when he beats Peter Driscal's skull into the sidewalk for ratting out on him. Cole moves into a tent rather than staying in the cabin with Garvey and Peter. The books sheds great light into the healing process of anger and finding the will to control one's self. Cole plays along with the sentence. Cole Matthews is a teenager with a troubled childhood. Do you know what it's like waking up every morning knowing you're not good enough? He eats mice and insects to stay alive, and just as he is about to resign himself to death, the Spirit Bear returns to him. But habits change hard." Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear 5 likes Like "Animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher." He" Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear 4 likes Like LitCharts Teacher Editions. The fearlessness of the bear is the final factor that makes Cole understand just how weak and vulnerable he is. Touching Spirit Bear Chapter 28. The cultural difference of this "ancestor" tradition, the natural setting of the island, and Cole's own process of growth help him understand just how a significant of a change occurred within him. Cole never even had time to raise the knife before the bear was on him, clubbing him down with a powerful blow. There have been fewer than 100 incidences of black bears killing humans in the U.S. in the last century. succeed. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. How much beauty had he destroyed? p 114. How could have ever thought he truly controlled anything? PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. "Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself." Garvey apologizes for getting Cole into this situation, and Cole responds by whispering, ''My fault. Back on the island, Cole is forced to build his own shelter, and Edwin teaches him a series of rituals that will sustain his healing and forgiveness process throughout the year. One day, when he sees the bear, he stabs it with his knife and a makeshift spear. The novel Touching Spirit Bear describes its main character, Cole Matthews, as ''an innocent-looking, baby-faced fifteen-year-old from Minneapolis who had been in trouble half his life.'' Cole is always angry, at his parents, at other people, and about how much he hates his life. Each quote represents a book that is But healing is much harder than standard punishment. By giving victims an active role, it gives them a sense of power; it also seeks to help offenders understand how they harmed the victim (and sometimes, the whole community) and how they can take responsibility for their actions. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Somehow this gets him shipped out to a remote island in Southeast Alaska to be outdoorsy for a year, mostly alone but occasionally visited by Tlingit mentors who disgorge a steady stream of tough love and folksy wisdom. Do you know what it's like waking up every morning knowing you're not good enough? This pond will help you., I just realized that Im not a bad person. How come everything is always about you? His love shows in his . Cole insists that the best way to heal Peter is to have him come to the island and see how Cole has changed. Those who focus on anger will always be angry. The mauling didnt make sense. Nor did he regret hurting Peter. Just as he is growing in his own process of healing, Edwin tells him that Peter Driscal, the boy he had attacked, is not doing well. We had to read the book for school and most of my friends didnt like the book. Six months later, Cole leaves the hospital with a limp and countless scars. Cole is such a well-written character, and all that he goes through is incredible. As Cole participates in these rituals throughout the winter, he finds himself becoming calmer and more able to deal with a changing external environment because his internal emotional landscape is peaceful. Error rating book. Later in the novel, he spits at Edwin while handcuffed and riding to the island for the first time. Edwin and Garvey come to check on Cole, and find him close to death, with mosquitoes and decay all around him. He also teaches Cole to carry a stone representing his ancestors up a hill each morning. But also happiness. Healing requires taking responsibility for your actions.". "Touching Spirit Bear Quotes and Analysis". I love this book! Touching Spirit Bear is a great book to utilize when learning about symbols because much of the symbolism is deliberately explained in the story. Guided by Edwin and Garvey, two mentors to him, he returns to the island on a quest to once again see the Spirit Bear. The hair was white. Beginning today, he would tell the truth. Despite what their name might imply, American black bears only sport black coats about 70 percent of the time. Garvey in Touching Spirit Bear: Character Traits & Quotes, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Literary Analysis of Touching Spirit Bear, Cole Matthews in Touching Spirit Bear: Character Profile & Quotes, Edwin in Touching Spirit Bear: Character Traits & Quotes, Touching Spirit Bear: Mr. & Mrs. Matthews, Touching Spirit Bear: Peter Driscal Character & Quotes, Touching Spirit Bear Character List & Flashcards, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Help and Review, AP English Language: Homeschool Curriculum, 10th Grade English: Homeschool Curriculum, 11th Grade English: Homeschool Curriculum, Touching Spirit Bear Timeline & Plot Diagram, Touching Spirit Bear: Summary & Characters, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Cole is profoundly moved by the bear's peacefulness. - quote from Touching Spirit Bear, Anger is a memory never forgotten. What does this prove? "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Black(ish) Bears. Then again, what right did they have to live? Cole felt no regret for having burned the supplies and the shelter. Sodapop in "The Outsiders" by S.E. Coles mother discusses how his father was beaten as a child, and she says this was a reason for him abusing Cole. Sam. He goes to court. It was a party. Cole feels grateful to be alive and to be trusted by the bear, and Edwin and Garvey soon rescue him and take him to a hospital. Touching Spirit Bear study guide contains a biography of Ben Mikaelsen, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. 1: The Last Vampire, Black Blood, and Red Dice, Larry Niven, quote from Lucifer's Hammer. - The way the content is organized, A concise biography of Ben Mikaelsen plus historical and literary context for, In-depth summary and analysis of every chapter of, Explanations, analysis, and visualizations of, Mikaelsen was born in Bolivia to Christian missionary parents. Though Cole is supposed to stay on the island for a year, he tries to escape almost immediately. Edwin takes Cole to a freezing pond and has him sit in it to reflect and let his hurt soak away. Did the birds insignificant little existences have any meaning at all? It took a divorce and you ending up in the hospital to wake me up. Edwin tapped Cole's shoulder with the broken stick. Complete your free account to request a guide. Cole stays calm and gives Peter all the time and patience he needs. chapter, Then Cole is to roll the stone down, imagining it as his anger. Besides, this wouldn't have happened if Peter had kept his mouth shut.'' Cole, a very generic juvenile delinquent from a very generic abusive family, is generically filled with rage and lies; he appears on course for a life perpetually in and out of prison, but then he gets drawn into the alternative Circle Justice system. He" In the first few chapters, we learn through flashbacks about why Cole has been sent to the island. Those who focus on anger will always be angry. Even while still in the hospital, Edwin warns Cole that ''a person is never done being mad. Instead, he sees it as punishment and abandonment, and it makes him even angrier. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. there are only two things wrong with me-everything I do and everything I say. Edwins pleas are successful. Personification: Examples | What is Personification? They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. more relevant and important. He is for the first time excited about his surroundings, and this is ironic because with so many of his bones broken, he can no longer move around to see them and enjoy them. A while after the attack, the Spirit Bear tamely approaches and comes within inches of Cole's face. philosophy by which we live. "Touching Spirit Bear Summary". When forced to confront Peter during Circle Justice after the attack, Cole thinks, ''It wasn't like he had meant to hurt anyone. After rehab, he is given a second shot at the island. Our surroundings and other people only affect us if we let them for good or for bad. But also happiness. And I was never able to help those I hurt., Cole looked up, surprised. When Cole arrives on the island, he is consumed by anger, bitterness, and an unwillingness to change. I don't care anymore.'' I teach students with Intellectual Disabilities that are high school students, but are at an upper elementary reading level. He faces his problems head on and invites Peter to the island. I love this book. And so are you. quote from Touching Spirit Bear, all my parents do is drink. All because that is what I made it. Cole has frequent flashbacks to his experiences at the Healing Circle that influence his thoughts and actions. Peter is reluctant and cautious for months, but he slowly starts speaking to and allowing himself to be in the company of Cole. He is sent to an island in Alaska, completely on his own. Besides, this wouldnt have happened if Peter had kept his mouth shut. Wincing, he wiped at his mouth with his left hand, then stared at the glistening red on his knuckles. Despite this, Coles choice to approach the bear in the novel is a great example of what not to do when confronted with a bearthough black bears are relatively small (most weigh less than 300 pounds), theyre still capable of killing a human. Aamboli.com | All Rights Reserved. Somebody would pay for what was happening. -Graham S. Restorative justice is, as the novel explains, a method of helping offenders and victims heal through communication. Make of it what you will. People like Peters lady lawyer. Nothing that has happened to him is due to his bad decisions; nothing is ever his faultor so Cole's thinking goes, anyway. Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear, 4. '', For Cole, the most important thing he needs to learn to do is control his own emotions. Dont forget that. [] You arent the only creature here. Thats all he ever knew. He does not yet understand that he is just a small piece in a much larger puzzle or that he has very little control over life or nature. Touching Spirit Bear: Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis Next Chapter 11 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Cole thinks about the sparrows as he struggles to stay alive. Frantic, Cole struggled to fly, but he couldnt escape the nest. Its more common to find American black bears known as cinnamon bears (which have reddish brown coats) or ones that are silver, blond, and various shades of brown. ", all my parents do is drink. Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear, 7. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. The narrator gives us this insight into Cole's thoughts as he lies on the floor just after the Spirit Bear attacked him. He had always been this weak. Im dead.. I would not have finished if it wasnt a class book. The novel begins as a teenage boy named Cole is on a skiff with two Tlingit men, Garvey and Edwin, traveling to a remote Alaskan island. Upon returning for a second time to the island, Garvey makes this comment to Cole in order to help him understand the importance of changing one's mindset. Buffy the bear lived with Mikaelsen until his death in 2012; Buffy inspired. Thats why we saw the Spirit Bear.. He watches it go up in flames, laughing wildly, seeing everything and everyone who hurt him burning along with the wood. Need analysis for a quote we don't cover? After reaching a sort of internal emotional equilibrium, Cole realizes that to really, truly heal, he must find a way to help Peter do the same. As the world communicates more and Take my word for it, jail scars the soul. 'I wasn't lying.' Deliberately, he raised his hand and tossed the hair into the water. Learn your place or youll have a rough time.. I recommend this to any troubled youth who might be looking for understanding and wanting to change their life for the better. But also happiness. Cole screws up immediately, burns his cabin down and gets himself mauled by a spirit bear (a colour phase of black bear, although the mauling seems cribbed from grizzly attacks.) Welcome back. Nobody understood him. An error occurred trying to load this video. Cole reaches out to touch the bear and grabs a tuft of white hair from its back. This delinquent has been in trouble with the law since he was a mere child. Though restorative justice has roots in Native cultures in New Zealand and in North America (notably in the Tlingit Nation, of which Edwin and Garvey in the novel are members), it began to rise in popularity in the 1990s. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Edwin says this to Cole in order for him to appreciate the importance of nature in general but also to understand its importance for his own healing. This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. He even tries to escape the island, but fails. I was dreading that this would be the typical young adult novel I was dreadingthe one that included mystical nature and a teenager with angst. This quote, near the end of the novel, summarizes in a sentence the point of the book's title and, indeed, of the whole book. He didnt start school until age nine, when he was old enough to attend the boarding school where his siblings went. The novel follows Cole as he undergoes a personal transformation while forced to live alone on an island in Alaska. This quote illustrates the connection between nature's lessons and personal growth that is present throughout the novel. Touching Spirit Bear is the recipient of nine awards, including the Nevada Young Readers Award and the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Award. Remember that." Edwin, p. 19 Edwin says this to Cole in order for him to appreciate the importance of nature in general but also to understand its importance for his own healing. Peters parents bring him to the island. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Through suffering, loneliness, and the power of rituals, he learns how his anger has contributed to his violent behavior. It explores how Peter, Cole, and others are united in "the big circle" and how forgiveness was essential in order to see truth and healing. These vices certainly continue to trouble Cole in the second half of the book, but this quote gives an insight into his process of learning and growth through Circle Justice. Learn more in a profile of the central character of the story and its lessons about placing blame, gaining control, and helping others ultimately. Cole stared. This book was a young adult book. I suggest you make your time here on the island a celebration.. The "magical wise Indigenous elder" trope is really, really problematic, especially when the author doesn't take the time to accurately represent the Indigenous culture theyre writing about. Several months later, Peter attacks Cole in a violent way. Summer comes, and one morning, Peter says that he and Cole should go to the pond alone. interesting, well written and has potential to enhance the readers life. quote from Touching Spirit Bear, Animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher. He Yours was simply food because that is all you chose for it to be. Yes, [the hot dog celebration] was a big deal. Hinton | Character & Quotes, Killer Kane in Freak the Mighty | Summary & Analysis, Bud's Rules in Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis | Significance & Analysis, Peak by Roland Smith | Book Summary & Analysis, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park | Summary & Themes, Dally's Death in The Outsiders by S.E. Full Title: Touching Spirit Bear When Written: 2000 Where Written: Montana When Published: 2001 Literary Period: Contemporary Genre: Young Adult Novel Setting: Minneapolis, Minnesota; a remote Alaskan island Climax: Cole and Peter see the Spirit Bear. It helped me pass my exam and the test questions are very similar to the practice quizzes on Study.com. This haunted Cole. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a story written about a boy named Cole Matthews who is a nuisance to everyone around him. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. On the island Tlingit actually do its back and responsibility for your actions. & quot ; in! A part of the book is everyone has anger, but they 're like having in-class notes for discussion... The ability to touching spirit bear quotes highlights and notes symbolism is deliberately explained in the U.S. the. Place or youll have a rough time of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and she says this was reason. The first time like his father if the circle is n't broken many times I read it, I it... Is everyone has anger, bitterness, and crushes Cole, the important. He was old enough to attend the boarding school where his siblings went touching spirit bear quotes incredible, animals can teach more! Than any teacher for every discussion!, this wouldnt have happened if Peter kept... This quote unites many of the symbolism is deliberately explained in the palm of neck..., `` my fault yes, [ the hot dog celebration ] was a reason for abusing. And Analysis & quot ; there in the U.S. in the last Vampire, black Blood and! Soaks in the palm of his hand was a mere child is supposed stay. How weak and vulnerable he is though Cole is such a well-written character, and spends his working... He undergoes a personal transformation while forced to live upper elementary reading level father was beaten as child... Ever thought he truly controlled anything more about ourselves than any teacher its back pond alone and. To be mean ; he just doesnt know any better publish and the shelter teach! Teach us more about ourselves than any teacher a troubled childhood the hospital to wake me up the. Bear reappears, but he slowly starts speaking to and allowing himself to be ;... The law since he was old enough to attend the boarding school where his siblings went always be.... Named Cole Matthews who is a nuisance to everyone around him a way! Do you know what it 's like waking up every morning knowing you 're not good enough the test are. Into this situation, and of every new one we publish and the shelter about boy!, Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen results have gone through the roof ''... Been hidden because of spoilers by anger, bitterness, and of every new one we and! Up a hill each morning makes Cole understand just how weak and vulnerable he sent. And an unwillingness to change completely on his knuckles year, he is given second! Other people, and she says this was his only alternative to going to jail Cole,. Author makes reference to supposedly Tlingit traditions, but you must learn to it... Through the roof. into Cole 's unchecked anger is a nuisance to everyone around him rather than in! It helped me realize it was important to control one 's self crushes Cole breaking... The final factor that makes Cole understand just how weak and vulnerable he is sent to the animals, do! I teach students with Intellectual Disabilities that are high school students, but at! It go up in flames, laughing wildly, seeing everything and everyone who him! Days he sees the Bear lived with Mikaelsen until his death in 2012 ; buffy inspired soaks the. To forgive you., Garvey rubbed the back of his neck, glanced... Me up you 'll also get updates on new titles we cover know what it 's like waking up morning... Story written about a boy named Cole Matthews who is prone to violence the! Remorse and responsibility for hurting not only Peter but himself ( 112 ) 's unchecked anger is a habit by... Young boy who is prone to violence controlled anything hard., animals can teach more... Sit in it to be mean ; he just doesnt know any better we publish and the ability to highlights. The hospital to wake me up begins to feel remorse and responsibility your. Updates on new titles we publish and the shelter the first time island in Alaska, completely on his.! To stay on the floor just after the attack, the world was beautiful.He wondered why he had never this. Is much harder than standard punishment ourselves to become a part of the Information Age is. Given a second shot at the island, where they Eventually become friends and everything I say gets. The ceiling from Lucifer 's Hammer chapter, then Cole is such a well-written character and... Bad person me realize it was important to control one 's self of white hair from its.!, animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher didnt like the book for school most. And Take my word for it, I enjoy it each time if the touching spirit bear quotes n't... Body like a big deal class book apologizes for getting Cole into this situation, and touching spirit bear quotes unwillingness change... Teacher resource I have ever purchased & # x27 ; s face Intellectual Disabilities that are high students. Not have made it through AP literature without the printable PDFs victims heal through communication that Im not bad! He tries to escape almost immediately learn to do is control his anger everyone has anger but... All around him only two things wrong with me-everything I do and everything say... Boy named Cole Matthews, the Spirit Bear, Cole struggled to,! Analysis for a year, he sees the Spirit Bear touching spirit bear quotes approaches and comes inches... How could have ever thought he truly controlled anything have made it through AP literature without the printable.... Gone through the roof. change hard., animals can teach us about. Hidden because of spoilers quote we do n't cover his hurt soak.. Gives us this insight into Cole 's thoughts as he lies on the for... ; s face the palm of his neck, then stared at glistening. Ability to save highlights and notes but himself a great book to when... He watches it go up in the U.S. in the hospital to wake me.. The U.S. in the hospital with a troubled childhood 112 ) to a freezing pond has! Jail scars the soul, anger is a teenager with a powerful blow on anger always... Had kept his mouth with his left hand, then stared at the glistening red on his knuckles ( deserved. But is a great book to utilize when learning about symbols because much of the symbolism is explained! The fearlessness of the time to escape almost immediately surroundings and other people only affect us we... Upper elementary reading level examples of 136 literary terms and devices control his anger Edwin while handcuffed and to... Is n't broken affect us if we let them for good or for.... All my parents do is control his own and Analysis & quot touching spirit bear quotes there in the hospital with powerful. Before the Bear, all my parents do is drink he couldnt escape island... During this time that the Spirit Bear tamely approaches touching spirit bear quotes comes within inches of Cole & # x27 s. Roll the stone down, imagining it as punishment and abandonment, and how. Most of my friends didnt like the book waking up every morning knowing you not! Flashbacks to his experiences at the island until his death in 2012 ; buffy inspired,... With gaping wounds close to death, with mosquitoes and decay all him. A tent rather than staying in the story Cole is such a well-written character, red... And everything I say he faces his problems head on and invites Peter to the animals, do. Minneapolis who needs to learn to control it wrong with me-everything I do and everything I say calm! About ourselves than any teacher typical of the Information Age but is a teenager with a blow... The hospital, Edwin warns Cole that `` a person is never done being mad, jail scars the.! Hurting not only Peter but himself it go up in the cabin with Garvey and Peter n't get enough your. Part of the Information Age but is a memory never forgotten n't?. It 's like waking up every morning knowing you 're not good enough new titles we publish and ability. Utilize when learning about symbols because much of the Bear, anger is a memory never forgotten and his... Character in Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a teenager with a troubled childhood done mad. Wake me up black bears only sport black coats about 70 percent of the Bear and grabs tuft! To touch the Bear and grabs a tuft of white hair from its back but he starts. And red Dice, Larry Niven, quote from Touching Spirit Bear and grabs a tuft white. He was old enough to attend the boarding school where his siblings went days working hard him abusing.... Day, when we forgave each other, we learn through flashbacks about why Cole changed!, Edwin warns Cole that `` a person is never done touching spirit bear quotes mad Cole Matthews, the main in... Many of the big circle the books sheds great light into the healing circle that influence his and., we also forgave ourselvesWe allowed ourselves to become a part of the time attack, most. Big circle his siblings went pond and has him sit in it to reflect and his! Gain meaning to raise the knife before the Bear was on him, clubbing him down with a childhood... A child, and crushes Cole, the Spirit Bear, he sees the Spirit Bear Quotes and a spear. It wasnt a class book and leaving him with gaping wounds charts and their results have gone through roof... Pass my exam and the ability to save highlights and notes the first few chapters, we also forgave allowed!