Character Insights
Describe how Cole's parents change after Cole is attacked by the spirit bear and returns home to recover.
Cole's mother apologizes and tries to improve their relationship. Cole's father is arrested on child abuse charges and refuses to see him. He files for custody when Cole returns to the island.
Why do the boys decide to carve the blank space on the totem pole together?
The boys have forgiven each other
Why does Edwin encourage Cole to soak in the freezing cold pond?
To help him calm his mind
In Ch.16, Garvey tells Cole that life is a hotdog. What type of figurative language is being used?
metaphor
When Cole returns to the island in Part 2 of the novel, how does he use the at.oow?
He uses it as a tablecloth when he eats.
Why does Edwin agree to listen to Cole's idea about bringing Peter to the island?
Peter tried to commit suicide.
Peter and Cole see the spirit bear together after they "fight" at the pond. Why are they able to see the bear? (P.238)
They have forgiven each other and are working towards healing.
Which major event allows Cole to finally forgive others and himself?
The dance of anger
In. Ch.18, Edwin teaches Cole to carry a large rock up the hill. Once he reaches the top, he is supposed to roll the rock back down the hill. What does the rock represent when he carries it UP THE HILL?
The struggles and hardships of your ancestors
Cole's experience is much more difficult when he returns to the island in Part 2. Name 3 things that he must do on his own while on the island.
1. Build a shelter
2. Get a fire going
3. Cook the meals
Provide 3 words to describe Peter's attitude towards Cole when he arrives on the island in Part 2.
fearful, guarded, hesitant, stubborn, angry, aggressive, distrustful
Why does Peter ask to go alone to the pond with Cole in the final chapter?
Peter wants to confront Cole without Garvey there.
Why does Mr. Driscal have a one-on-one talk with Cole before leaving the island? (P.217)
He does not fully trust Cole and wants to warn him not to hurt Peter again.
What did the feather symbolize in the healing circle?
Respect for others and for oneself. You can only talk if you are holding the feather.
In Part 2, why is Cole finally able to see the spirit bear again?
He makes himself invisible by calming his mind and becoming one with the landscape.
Why is Garvey so invested in helping Cole?
He wants to help him heal because he also had a difficult past and wishes he had someone to help him when he was younger. Helping others is a way to help yourself.
Cole does not fight back when Peter confronts him on the way to the pond mostly because
he wants to prove that he has truly changed and Peter doesn't need to be afraid of him anymore.
Why do the Circle Members finally agree to allow Cole to go back to the island in part 2?
Edwin convinces the circle that Cole has changed
“Because of that, we’ve stuck our necks out so far, we feel like two giraffes” said Garvey (P.133). What type of figurative language is being used?
Simile
Peter Driscal's parents bring him to the island in Part 2 because they are desperate to help him heal. They ask Cole if they will see a spirit bear while they are on the island. Cole says they won't see it because...
There are too many people, but if they go to the pond to soak they might catch a glimpse.
How does Cole's character develop from the beginning of the novel to the end?
In the beginning he is angry and does not know how to control his emotions. In the end, he learns to forgive those that have hurt him, and is able to help those he has hurt. He becomes more open and honest.
Why does Cole decide to throw away the white fur he had saved from the spirit bear?
He wants to be more honest and realizes his words are the only proof he needs.
In Chapter 21, Cole finds a log he can use as a totem pole. He also thinks he could use it to make a...
canoe to escape
What is a universal theme present in novel? Write the theme/lesson as a complete sentence
Answers may vary
Why does the bottom space on Cole's totem remain blank for so long?
Cole must help Peter first before he can truly heal