Touching Spirit Bear Summary and Analysis
There are many aspects of the Touching Spirit Bear novel that highly correlate with the subject we are learning about the psychological developments of adolescents. Along with the readings completed in class, there is a lot of valuable insight that has been brought forth and can be interpreted as essential for obtaining a better understanding.
The story begins somewhat in the center of the action, with Cole on the island as a result of the decision made by the circle. A troubled kid, this is his last chance before being sentenced as an adult for the past transgressions that he has committed. On the island, he is told about a “spirit bear” which from a psychological standpoint can be viewed as an animal representation of Cole, and forebodingly suggests the possibility of a future interaction with the animal. We begin to learn a little more about Cole in the subsequent chapters, as he attempts to escape the island and begins to have flashbacks to how he arrived there in the first place. His vicious attack of Peter has left him with very few options, one of which is being sent to Alaska to participate in the various “circles” which ultimately should help to decide if he is going to change, or if the path of prison is the right one for him. He facetiously feigns remorse in order to get to go to the island. Once there, he resists the whole idea and plans to escape. This is where we begin to understand Cole as a more complex character than previously before. We learn of the troubles he has at home, and from there begin to see why he has acted the way he has thus far. Dealing with a stressful home life and the abuse of his father, Cole is displaying classic traits for someone who is trying to process these emotions in the easiest way possible for him, through violence. According to the article by Linda Spear, “Adolescents may