The Unlikely Mentors: Unraveling Why Garvey and Edwin Help Cole in Touching Spirit Bear
Garvey and Edwin’s unwavering commitment to helping Cole Matthews in Ben Mikaelsen’s Touching Spirit Bear stems from a complex interplay of factors: personal redemption, cultural beliefs, and a profound desire to break the cycle of violence. Garvey, a parole officer, sees a younger version of himself in Cole, haunted by his own past mistakes and yearning for a chance at genuine rehabilitation. Edwin, a Tlingit elder, is driven by his cultural heritage and a deep understanding of the restorative power of nature and Circle Justice. Together, they offer Cole a path to healing and self-discovery that transcends traditional punitive measures, driven by the belief that even the most hardened individuals can find redemption.
Understanding the Motivations
Garvey’s Personal Investment
Garvey’s past as a delinquent deeply influences his dedication to Cole. He admits to helping Cole for “selfish reasons,” explaining that assisting others is how he helps himself. By offering Cole a chance to participate in Circle Justice – a restorative approach to justice rooted in Native American traditions – rather than simply warehousing him in jail, Garvey seeks to rectify a past wrong in his own life: the lack of similar support when he was a troubled youth. He sees Cole as a reflection of his younger self and believes that by guiding Cole toward healing, he can indirectly heal his own wounds. Garvey’s tough love approach is rooted in genuine empathy and a fierce determination to prevent Cole from repeating his mistakes.
Edwin’s Cultural Wisdom
Edwin’s motivation is intricately tied to his Tlingit heritage. He understands the profound connection between humans and nature, believing that immersion in the natural world can foster self-awareness and healing. The rituals Edwin guides Cole through, such as soaking in the freezing pond and carrying the ancestor rock, are designed to help Cole connect with his inner self and the world around him. Edwin’s wisdom extends beyond mere survival skills; he imparts a spiritual understanding of life’s interconnectedness and the importance of respect for all living things. He sees Cole’s anger and violence as symptoms of a deeper disconnect and believes that by restoring Cole’s relationship with nature, he can facilitate his transformation.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Both Garvey and Edwin recognize that traditional punishment alone is insufficient to address Cole’s underlying issues. They understand that his anger and aggression stem from a history of abuse and neglect. Instead of simply punishing Cole for his actions, they seek to address the root causes of his behavior through Circle Justice and a nurturing environment. They believe that by helping Cole heal, they can prevent him from perpetuating the cycle of violence. Their commitment to Cole represents a willingness to invest in long-term solutions that offer the potential for genuine rehabilitation and a positive contribution to society.
The Power of Redemption
Ultimately, Garvey and Edwin are driven by the belief in the possibility of redemption. Despite Cole’s violent past and initial resistance, they see potential for change within him. They recognize that Cole’s journey will be challenging, but they are willing to provide him with the support and guidance he needs to navigate it. Their unwavering belief in Cole’s capacity for growth is a testament to their compassion and commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world.
The characters in Touching Spirit Bear demonstrate the potential for significant personal growth and transformation. You can learn more about the power of games for personal and societal change at Games Learning Society, a community of scholars and game developers dedicated to using games for positive impact: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Garvey help Cole in Chapter 13?
Garvey explains that he helps Cole for “selfish reasons.” He feels that helping others allows him to heal aspects of his own past. Having been a delinquent himself, he wishes someone had given him the chance to go through Circle Justice.
2. Why does Edwin help Cole build his first shelter?
Edwin helps Cole build his first shelter as a demonstration and a means of providing him with basic survival necessities on the island. He wants to give Cole a chance at banishment as part of Circle Justice so he can be safe on the island.
3. What were some of Cole’s responsibilities on the island to prepare for his banishment?
Cole’s responsibilities on the island included building his own shelter and cooking for himself. These tasks were designed to teach him self-reliance and responsibility.
4. What did Edwin tell Cole to do if he can’t help Peter?
Edwin tells Cole that the question of how to help Peter will haunt him forever. He advises Cole that if he can’t help Peter, he should help someone else, highlighting the importance of empathy and contributing positively to the world.
5. What did Edwin and Garvey say to Cole when he tried to apologize?
When Cole tried to apologize, Edwin and Garvey ate in silence. Edwin then said, “You also said you had changed,” emphasizing that actions speak louder than words.
6. What did Garvey give to Cole?
Garvey gives Cole a hunting knife, explaining that it’s like life itself: it can be used to destroy or to heal. He encourages Cole to carve to heal himself.
7. What advice does Garvey give Cole?
Garvey advises Cole that he is “wasting everybody’s time if you don’t truly want change.” He stresses the importance of taking responsibility for his actions and demonstrating a genuine commitment to transformation.
8. How does Cole feel about Edwin?
Initially, Cole is distrustful and resentful of Edwin. However, after being mauled by the Spirit Bear, Cole is thrilled to see Edwin and Garvey, indicating a growing respect and appreciation for their help.
9. Why does Cole burn down the shelter that Garvey and Edwin built for him?
Cole burns down the shelter out of defiance, anger, and a feeling of abandonment. He is unable to take responsibility for his actions and blames the world for his problems.
10. What was Edwin trying to teach Cole when he told him to break off the left end of the stick?
Edwin was teaching Cole that anger is always present, and trying to eliminate it is not the answer. The lesson is that what one focuses on will be what one sees, and attempting to eliminate anger is not a productive approach.
11. Why do Edwin and Garvey feel it is important for Cole to rebuild his shelter without help?
Edwin and Garvey believe it is crucial for Cole to rebuild his shelter himself to teach him that there are consequences to his actions. By making him rebuild what he destroyed, they are emphasizing the importance of accountability.
12. What lesson do Garvey and Edwin teach Cole using the hot dog?
Garvey and Edwin teach Cole the importance of making the best of every situation and finding joy in simple things. By preparing his hot dog as a celebratory meal, Garvey shows Cole that he can create happiness even in difficult circumstances.
13. What news does Cole receive from Edwin and Garvey?
Cole receives the news that Garvey and Edwin have convinced the Circle to let him return to the island, giving him a second chance at banishment and a path to healing.
14. What does Garvey leave with Cole and what must he do with it?
Garvey leaves Cole a At. oow (a blanket) that has been handed down through generations in his family. Cole must take care of it and hand it down to someone he trusts in the future, symbolizing a connection to heritage and responsibility.
15. Why did Edwin say winter would be the hardest for Cole?
Edwin said winter would be the hardest because the bad weather, short days, warm fire, and bitter stream would make it easier for Cole’s anger to fester like a Devil’s Club thorn. The harsh conditions would challenge Cole’s resilience and test his commitment to change.