# IV: North Wind explained — At the Back of the North Wind

> Chapter companion for At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Diamond rides with North Wind as she sweeps the sky, but when he sees a lonely little girl struggling in the wind, he asks to help her. North Wind sets him down, and Diamond runs after the girl, eventually catching her. They take shelter in a barrel under an arch, and Diamond tells her about North Wind. The girl is skeptical, but they wander until a gust blows Diamond into the back door of his master's garden. Diamond invites her in for breakfast, but she declines, saying she must go to her crossing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Compassion and Service

Diamond's insistence on helping the little girl, despite North Wind's warning, exemplifies selfless compassion and a willingness to serve others.

### Innocence and Wisdom

Diamond's innocent trust in North Wind and his simple faith that helping the girl is right contrast with the girl's worldly skepticism, yet his innocence proves wise.

## Character check-ins

### Diamond

Shows compassion by insisting on helping the little girl despite the risk; later shares his story with her and invites her home.

### North Wind

Carries Diamond in her hair as she sweeps the sky; allows Diamond to descend to help the girl but does not wait for him.

### Nanny

The little girl Diamond helps; she is a street sweeper who is skeptical of Diamond's story about North Wind.

## Key lines

> I am the old woman that sweeps the cobwebs from the sky; only I'm busy with the floor now.

North Wind explains that her sweeping is like cleaning the sky, but at the moment she is cleaning the earth.

_This metaphor illustrates North Wind's cosmic role and her gentle, maternal explanation to Diamond._

> I don't think so much of it,' said the girl. 'I'm used to it, I suppose. But I can't think how a kid like you comes to be out all alone this time o' night.

The girl is unimpressed by the barrel shelter because she is accustomed to hardship, and she wonders why a young child like Diamond is out so late.

_Highlights the contrast between Diamond's sheltered innocence and the girl's hardened experience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/iv-north-wind
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters