Jackson Tillman April 12, 2024 English 100, 009 Matthew Wincherauk Graphic Novel Essay The Power Found in the Paws of Smoke Within Indigenous culture, animals hold significant roles, embodying unique traits like the wisdom of a robin or the courage of an eagle. In The Outside Circle, one creature emerges from hibernation to take center stage: the bear. Revered to symbolize strength, health, and vitality, the bear's predominant role lies in being a protector. Initially, Pete harbours rage and violence, but through the bear's guidance, he learns the importance of emotional control, a key aspect of protection. Moreover, the bear teaches Pete the value of emotions such as compassion, which is evident in Pete's later interactions with his daughter.
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Pete helped to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma for his family by embracing this role, acting as an inspiration for how to overcome the various struggles that indigenous people face in society. One of the most important ways that the bear serves its purpose in helping Pete along his journey to become a protector is by helping him to control his emotions. Initially consumed by rage due to various challenges in his life, Pete found himself spiraling out of control. However, as he became more spiritually attuned, particularly during his time in a healing center after being incarcerated, Pete began to connect with his spirit animal, the bear. With the bear's guidance, Pete learned to manage his emotions more effectively, marking a turning point in his journey. One of the ways that the bear helped Pete to control his emotions was by symbolically breaking the mask of rage, Figure 1: (LaBoucane-Benson) The mask of rage represents Pete's negative emotions and pent-up anger. The smoke of the bear surrounded Pete and broke apart this mask, helping Pete return to a state of emotional …show more content…
Throughout the story, there are several occasions where the bear teaches Pete what it means to look out for others. For example, during the sweat lodge, Pete was grappling with his intergenerational trauma and cried out in anguish, Figure 3: (LaBoucane-Benson) The bear sitting next to Pete screamed in solidarity, sharing in Pete's pain within the literal and metaphorical darkness of the sweat lodge. This act revealed to Pete that even in his darkest moments, he is not alone—the bear stood as his protector, showing Pete how to extend that care to others. Later in the story, Pete applied this lesson when he shielded Joey from a group of gangsters, Figure 4: (LaBoucane-Benson) Confronted for leaving the gang, Pete told Ray to remove Joey from harm's way. Closely watching over Joey, Pete ensured safety, assuming the protector role. Drawing from the bear's teachings on emotional control, Pete used intimidation to scare off the gang members, protecting his loved ones in the process. The bear’s teachings on watching out for others help Pete overcome his intergenerational trauma by giving him a purpose greater than himself. Pete learned the concept of “the outside circle” from Elder Roy, learning that within his culture, men are meant to protect those around them. With the help of his spirit animal, Pete’s mentality shifted from one of selfishness to one that wants to watch over others. This
Pete helped to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma for his family by embracing this role, acting as an inspiration for how to overcome the various struggles that indigenous people face in society. One of the most important ways that the bear serves its purpose in helping Pete along his journey to become a protector is by helping him to control his emotions. Initially consumed by rage due to various challenges in his life, Pete found himself spiraling out of control. However, as he became more spiritually attuned, particularly during his time in a healing center after being incarcerated, Pete began to connect with his spirit animal, the bear. With the bear's guidance, Pete learned to manage his emotions more effectively, marking a turning point in his journey. One of the ways that the bear helped Pete to control his emotions was by symbolically breaking the mask of rage, Figure 1: (LaBoucane-Benson) The mask of rage represents Pete's negative emotions and pent-up anger. The smoke of the bear surrounded Pete and broke apart this mask, helping Pete return to a state of emotional …show more content…
Throughout the story, there are several occasions where the bear teaches Pete what it means to look out for others. For example, during the sweat lodge, Pete was grappling with his intergenerational trauma and cried out in anguish, Figure 3: (LaBoucane-Benson) The bear sitting next to Pete screamed in solidarity, sharing in Pete's pain within the literal and metaphorical darkness of the sweat lodge. This act revealed to Pete that even in his darkest moments, he is not alone—the bear stood as his protector, showing Pete how to extend that care to others. Later in the story, Pete applied this lesson when he shielded Joey from a group of gangsters, Figure 4: (LaBoucane-Benson) Confronted for leaving the gang, Pete told Ray to remove Joey from harm's way. Closely watching over Joey, Pete ensured safety, assuming the protector role. Drawing from the bear's teachings on emotional control, Pete used intimidation to scare off the gang members, protecting his loved ones in the process. The bear’s teachings on watching out for others help Pete overcome his intergenerational trauma by giving him a purpose greater than himself. Pete learned the concept of “the outside circle” from Elder Roy, learning that within his culture, men are meant to protect those around them. With the help of his spirit animal, Pete’s mentality shifted from one of selfishness to one that wants to watch over others. This