Overcoming Obstacles In Touching Spirit Bear

The Importance of Overcoming Obstacles

“Another source of greatness is difficulty. When any work seems to have required immense force and labour to effect it, the idea is grand” (Edmund Burke).We may not enjoy tremendous obstacles while we’re experiencing them, but when they’re over, we can definitely see the benefits. In Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, the protagonist, Cole, has had to face many obstacles in his life, such as his abusive father, his neglectful mother and his anger. Many people can relate to Cole because they, too, have had many obstacles in their life. Overcoming obstacles makes Cole more empathetic and emotionally stable. Empathy is important because it is what allows humans to be human. Being mentally

stable is important because then we aren’t a danger to society and ourselves. Overcoming obstacles is important because they make people more empathetic and emotionally stable.

Overcoming obstacles is important for Cole because it makes him more empathetic. Individuals who overcome difficulties seem to relate more to other individuals. The first time that Cole saw Peter since the incident at school, Cole realized that he had changed Peter. Peter was mean and angry as Cole used to be. Cole can empathize with Peter because Cole knows what it is like to be angry all the time. Cole and Peter share similar obstacles, such as their anger, which gives them the ability to empathize with one another . Individuals who can empathize with their family seem to have a stronger family bond. Cole also gains empathy for his mother. Cole and his mother went through a difficult time in their lives when they were being abused by Cole’s father. Again, Cole and his mother share similar obstacles, which give them the ability to empathize with one another. Before, Cole couldn’t empathize with his mother because he was angry at her. Her neglectful ways had turned Cole against her. Once Cole got mauled by the spirit bear, he realized that life is short and family is important, so he forgave his mother. As a result of Cole’s forgiveness, he was finally able to empathize with his mother.