Touching Spirit Bear Cole Matthews Quotes

Cole Matthews

Quote 4

Cole tried to be calm, but his voice shook and his face felt hot. "We aren't supposed to lie when we hold the feather, but my father just lied. My parents don't have the time of day for me. I'm just in their way, especially since they split up. I bet my dad can't even tell you when my birthday is." (6.11)

No matter what his parents say to other people, Cole sees right through their lies. He knows that his father is just saying all of these supportive things because he's trying to save his own face. He doesn't actually care about being a good parent.

Cole Matthews

Quote 5

"You'll wear them inside out for the first two weeks of your banishment to show humility and shame," Edwin said, his voice hard as stone. Then he turned and shuffled up the dock toward his old rusty pickup. (1.6)

Cole won't take responsibility for his actions, so Edwin and Garvey force him to do so. If he won't feel guilty or bad about beating up Peter, they'll make him wear his clothes inside out in order to show his shame and humility.

Cole Matthews

Quote 6

Cole figured he wouldn't even be here if Peter Driscal had known how to fight back. Instead, Peter was hospitalized. Doctors' reports warned he might suffer permanent damage. "Serves him right," Cole mumbled when he was first told of Peter's condition. (1.24)

Even being confronted with Peter Driscal's horrible injuries—and the fact that he might have permanent damage—doesn't make Cole feel guilty or responsible. Instead, he blames the whole thing on Peter for antagonizing him in the first place.