Touching Spirit Bear Garvey Quotes

Garvey

Quote 4

Garvey shook his head. "Banishment isn't a sentence. It's simply a time for Cole to walk his talk. We tell him to give more than lip service to the idea of change, but what chance does he have to prove anything if he's locked up?" (6.63)

The idea of Circle Justice is that they're not just going to punish Cole and lock him up. Instead, they're more interested in reforming him, making him a better person who's less likely to commit crime in the future.

Garvey > Cole Matthews

Quote 5

"If you kill my cat, normally the police fine you and that's it. We still hate each other, I still feel bad about my cat, and you're angry because you have to pay a fine. In Circle Justice, you sign a healing contract. You might agree to help me pick out a new kitten and care for it as part of the sentencing." (1.39)

Garvey tries to explain to Cole why Circle Justice is more focused on healing and change than the normal criminal justice system, but Cole still doesn't understand how it's supposed to work. He doesn't actually believe something like this can change him.

Garvey > Cole Matthews

Quote 6

"Now you'll end up in a hospital. When you're released, you'll still have your parents to deal with and you'll still be facing a jail term. I doubt the Hearing Circle will consider returning you to the island after what's happened. You realize all that, don't you?"

Cole nodded. "I do, but it's okay. Whatever happens now, I'm done being mad." (13.70-71)

It's only when Cole accepts responsibility and resigns himself to going to prison that Garvey realizes he's ready for a second chance on the island. This time, maybe he'll take it seriously and actually learn a thing or two.