# Diamond Goes On explained — At the Back of the North Wind

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

## What happens

Diamond continues to grow up in the mews, becoming a favorite among the cabmen. He learns to drive horses skillfully, helps a girl being bullied, and is recognized by Mrs. and Miss Coleman. His gentle nature and wisdom earn him respect, and he proves himself capable and kind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Wisdom

Diamond's innocent questions about poverty and disgrace reveal a deeper wisdom; his pure nature shines amidst rough language and behavior, earning him respect.

### Compassion and Service

Diamond rushes to help a girl being bullied, showing compassion; he serves others through his driving and horse care, embodying selfless service.

### Moral Growth Through Adversity

Diamond grows morally by facing rough language and bullying without being corrupted; his experiences in the mews and on the cab strengthen his character.

## Character check-ins

### Diamond

Shows his thoughtful nature by questioning his mother about poverty and disgrace; demonstrates courage and kindness by defending a girl from bullies; becomes skilled at driving and caring for horses.

### Mother

Expresses concern about poverty and the company Diamond keeps; tries to shield him from rough influences but is proud of his good heart.

### Father

Takes Diamond on his cab; proud of Diamond's defense of the girl; recognized by Mrs. and Miss Coleman as Joseph.

### Jack

Gives Diamond a currycomb and brush to groom old Diamond; amused by Diamond's efforts and helps him.

### Old Sal

Mentioned as the horse Diamond grooms; patient and fond of Diamond.

### Miss Coleman

Along with Mrs. Coleman, is a passenger in Diamond's father's cab; recognizes Joseph.

## Key lines

> I don’t know said Diamond thoughtfully, whether Mrs. Coleman had bells on her toes. What do you mean, child? said his mother. She had rings on her fingers, anyhow, returned Diamond.

Diamond muses that Mrs. Coleman might have bells on her toes, and when his mother asks what he means, he points out that she at least has rings on her fingers.

_Diamond's playful logic connects his mother's earlier comment about selling a ring to Mrs. Coleman's apparent wealth._

> He never took any notice of them, and his face shone pure and good in the middle of them, like a primrose in a hailstorm.

Diamond ignored the bad language around him, and his innocent face stood out beautifully, like a delicate flower surviving a harsh storm.

_Metaphor emphasizing Diamond's purity and resilience in a rough environment._

> I couldn’t let them behave so to a poor girl—could I, father? he said. Certainly not, Diamond, said his father, quite pleased, for Diamond’s father was a gentleman.

Diamond explains he had to help the girl being bullied, and his father agrees, proud of his son's gentlemanly conduct.

_Highlights Diamond's innate sense of justice and his father's approval._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xvii-diamond-goes-on
- 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