At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
Little Boy Blue explained
In this poetic chapter, Little Boy Blue wanders through a magical wood, commanding creatures, elements, and natural phenomena to follow him.
What happens
In this poetic chapter, Little Boy Blue wanders through a magical wood, commanding creatures, elements, and natural phenomena to follow him. He gathers a vast procession of animals, birds, insects, and even the wind and shadows, but when they all surround him, he becomes overwhelmed and unsure what to do with them. Birdie Brown challenges him to give them purpose, and Little Boy Blue finally wishes to return to his mother. The creatures then guide him home, and he asserts himself by striking a snake that blocks his path.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Wisdom
Little Boy Blue's innocent command over nature contrasts with his later confusion, highlighting the journey from naive authority to wise understanding.
Home and Belonging
The climax of the poem is Little Boy Blue's desire to return to his mother, emphasizing the theme of home as a place of safety and belonging.
Moral Growth Through Adversity
Little Boy Blue faces the challenge of managing the creatures he summoned, and through this trial he learns to assert himself and seek proper direction.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
As Little Boy Blue, Diamond is the central figure who commands the creatures and elements, ultimately learning the importance of purpose and home.
- Birdie Brown
Birdie Brown sings the crucial song that challenges Little Boy Blue to give the gathered creatures a task, and later leads the way home.
- North Wind
The wind is personified and responds to Little Boy Blue's call, following him as part of the procession.
Key passages
“Little Boy Blue lost his way in a wood. Sing apples and cherries, roses and honey ; He said, 'I would not go back if I could, It's all so jolly and funny.'”
Little Boy Blue becomes lost in a forest but feels no desire to return, finding the experience delightful and amusing.
This opening sets the tone of innocent adventure and the allure of the unknown.
“Then Little Boy Blue began to ponder: 'What's to be done with them all, I wonder.'”
After summoning all the creatures, Little Boy Blue realizes he has no plan for them and feels uncertain.
This moment of reflection marks a turning point where the boy's authority meets the need for responsibility.
“Go away! go away! said Little Boy Blue; 'I'm sure I don't want you—get away—do.'”
Overwhelmed, Little Boy Blue tries to dismiss the creatures he called, but they refuse to leave without a purpose.
Birdie Brown's challenge forces Little Boy Blue to confront the consequences of his actions.
“Off with you all! Take me back to my mother.”
Little Boy Blue finally gives a clear command: he wants to go home to his mother, giving the creatures a direction.
This resolution ties the theme of home and belonging to the boy's moral growth.
“The snake he neither would go nor come; So he hit him hard with the stick of his drum. The snake fell down as if he were dead, And Little Boy Blue set his foot on his head.”
When the snake refuses to move, Little Boy Blue strikes it with his drumstick, and after it falls, he stands on its head in triumph.
This act of assertiveness shows Little Boy Blue overcoming his fear and taking control.