Over the course of Touching Spirit Bear, Cole Matthews undergoes a dramatic transformation. You wouldn't know it by looking at him, per say—Cole mostly changes on the inside, where he learns to let go of his hang-ups and his violent tendencies, and instead tries to be a better person. Although almost everyone thinks Cole is a lost cause (himself included), he learns that he can change and that it's not too late for him to be a contributing member of society. He just has to move on from his abusive, painful past.
Questions About Transformation
- How does the near-death experience change the way that Cole sees the world? Be specific, please, and don't hesitate to bust out a few compare and contrast examples.
- Why is Garvey so convinced that Cole is capable of changing?
- How does Cole's mother change over the course of the novel?
Chew on This
Although most people have given up on Cole and his ability to rehabilitate, Garvey and Edwin continue to advocate for him because they've been in his position and know it's possible for him to change for the better.
Cole thinks it's way too late for his parents to change, but his mother comes through and shows him that there's always hope. She ends up being a positive and supportive force in his life at the end, which helps him continue his journey toward self-betterment.