# VIII: The East Window explained — At the Back of the North Wind

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

## What happens

Diamond wakes from a strange dream in which he imagines the Apostles in the cathedral window speaking about him and criticizing North Wind. He defends her, then wakes to find the summerhouse crushed by a fallen elm tree after a night of strong wind. He meets a clergyman who speaks of the Hyperborean regions, and Diamond resolves to ask North Wind to take him there.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Wisdom

Diamond's innocent dream reveals his intuitive understanding of North Wind's true nature, contrasting with the false Apostles' petty complaints.

### Duality of Nature

The destructive yet necessary power of the wind is shown through the fallen tree, while Diamond's dream highlights the contrast between genuine and false authority.

## Character check-ins

### Diamond

Dreams of the Apostles in the window, defends North Wind, and later explores the garden after the storm.

### North Wind

Mentioned in Diamond's dream as being criticized by the false Apostles, and later Diamond thinks of asking her to take him to the Hyperborean regions.

### Old Sal

Not directly present, but Old Diamond (the horse) is mentioned as waking below in the stable.

## Key lines

> I wonder how old the tree is! ... It must take a long time to get so near the sky as that poor tree was.

Diamond marvels at the age of the fallen elm, reflecting on how long it took to grow so tall.

_Shows Diamond's contemplative nature and connection to the natural world._

> North Wind knows best what she is about. She has a good right to blow the cobwebs from your windows, for she was sent to do it.

Diamond defends North Wind's actions, asserting that her work is purposeful and necessary.

_Highlights Diamond's loyalty and understanding of North Wind's role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/viii-the-east-window
- 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