The specter of death is very real in Touching Spirit Bear. After all, during his time on the island, Cole has to confront death head-on. He's mauled by Spirit Bear and starts to fade away, certain he's going to die there on the island before anyone can save him. But when he's rescued, the near-death experience is what propels Cole to change his life and become a better person.
In almost dying, Cole realizes he's been living his life the wrong way all along. Death also threatens Cole's victim, Peter Driscal, who tries to commit suicide several times before coming to the island to join Cole. Although they aren't friends, both boys are dealing with the threat of death in their lives, though it comes from different sources.
Questions About Mortality
- Why does Cole try to kill Spirit Bear? Really dig into his character and past to answer this one.
- How does seeing all those dead birds change things for Cole? Why?
- Why does Peter Driscal try to commit suicide?
Chew on This
Even though Cole's near-death experience is terrifying, it's through this brush with his own mortality that he's able to grow and take control of his life.
Being with Cole on the island brings Peter back to life because it forces him to confront his problems head-on, enabling him to then heal and move on instead of drowning in his depression.