Chapters 1 & 2
Why is Cole Matthews banished to live alone on an island in Southeast Alaska for one year?
Cole robbed a store and severely beat Peter Driscal, the kid who turned him in to the police. Cole already has a long record of offenses, and no treatments or punishments have been effective. Aside from jail, banishment is Cole’s only remaining option.
What are the final two circles Cole will be expected to attend?
Cole will be expected to attend the Bail Circle and the Sentencing Circle.
What object does Cole find lying on the ground near the ashes of the shelter?
Cole finds the at.óow, the blanket Garvey gave him.
As Cole feeds the fire, what overwhelming emotion does he feel?
Cole feels anger.
Juvenile Delinquent
A young person who performs illegal activities
What is a Spirit Bear?
A Spirit Bear is a special black bear that lives off the coast of British Columbia. It is pure white and represents pride, dignity, and honor.
According to Garvey, why is it important for Peter to forgive Cole?
Garvey believes that Peter cannot heal until he forgives Cole.
When Cole first sees the Spirit Bear, what about the bear angers Cole, and what does he vow to do?
The bear stands and looks at Cole without fear, which makes Cole angry. He vows to teach the bear to fear him or he will kill it.
Why does Cole save a handful of the bear’s hair after the mauling?
The hair proves that he fought the bear. It also gives him bragging rights and a sense of power.
Isolate
To be or remain alone or apart from others
Why doesn’t Cole trust Garvey, his parole officer?
Garvey does not fear Cole, and Cole “didn’t trust anyone who wasn’t afraid of him.”
What is the purpose of the feather at the Circle Justice meeting?
The feather symbolizes respect and responsibility. In order to speak at the meeting, one must hold the feather and speak honestly from the heart.
How does Cole plan to escape the island, and what happens when he tries?
Cole plans to swim from island to island until he finds a passing boat to take him to the mainland. From there, he will disappear. Cole fights unsuccessfully against the incoming tide. Exhausted, he crawls above the high-tide mark. Cold from being in the water, Cole realizes he needs warmth. Having no shelter, he drags himself onto the hot coals where the shelter had been and collapses.
What does Cole expect the Spirit Bear to do, and what actually happens?
Cole expects the bear to flee from him; instead, it hangs its head low and waits for Cole to approach.
Justice
The quality of fairness
According to Edwin, what can be learned from the animals on the island?
Patience, gentleness, strength, and honesty can be learned from observing the behavior of the animals.
Why does Garvey bring groceries to Cole’s cell?
Garvey is trying to show Cole that each ingredient is important in making a cake. Some ingredients taste good individually, and some do not, but together, they form a whole and delicious cake. Life is like a cake in that we need good and bad experiences to be complete, well-rounded individuals.
What is Peter’s response when the feather is passed to him?
Peter feels that what happened to him should be done to Cole. He wants “an eye for an eye” kind of justice.
As Cole lies injured in the cold rain, what are his thoughts and feelings?
Cole fears death. He wonders how it will feel. He also fears not dying immediately, but slowly and in agony.
Reaction
A behavior, feeling, or action that is a result of something else
What does Edwin mean when he says, “You live or die by your actions”?
Edwin means that whatever happens to Cole will be a result of Cole’s own actions; he will no longer be able to blame others. Edwin is advising
What is Cole’s reaction after Peter speaks at the first Circle Hearing?
Cole’s hands are sweaty. He studies Peter and notices that Peter sounds different than before. Cole has the thought that he hadn’t meant to hurt anyone. He thinks that Peter wouldn’t be in this condition if he had kept his mouth shut.
As he rests on the coals, what strong and haunting realization scares Cole more than anything else?
Cole realizes that he is totally alone with himself.
What recurring nightmare of Cole’s has become a reality?
Cole’s recurring nightmare of being helpless and alone has occurred. He is so badly injured that he is truly helpless and alone on the island.
Manipulate
To handle, control, or influence someone or something cleverly or skillfully