At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
Sal’s Nanny explained
Diamond, worried about the crossing girl Nanny, goes to her home in a dangerous slum, finds her ill and alone, and seeks help from Mr.
What happens
Diamond, worried about the crossing girl Nanny, goes to her home in a dangerous slum, finds her ill and alone, and seeks help from Mr. Raymond. With the policeman's protection and Mr. Raymond's aid, Nanny is taken to the Children's Hospital.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Service
Diamond's selfless act of seeking help for Nanny exemplifies compassion and service to others.
Innocence and Wisdom
Diamond's innocent trust in others and his wise understanding of right and wrong guide his actions.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
Shows compassion and resourcefulness by seeking help for Nanny despite the danger.
- Nanny
Found ill and unconscious in Sal's cellar; later taken to the hospital.
- Mr. Raymond
Kindly responds to Diamond's plea, arranges for Nanny's admission to the Children's Hospital.
- Father
Trusts Diamond to go alone to find Nanny.
- Mother
Listens to Diamond's interpretation of the Little Boy Blue rhyme.
Key passages
“People might think he was mistaken, but they never thought he was telling a story.”
Others might doubt Diamond's accuracy, but they never doubted his honesty.
Highlights Diamond's inherent truthfulness.
“I can’t give you my jacket. It belongs to my father and mother, you know. It’s not mine to give.”
Diamond refuses to give away his jacket because it belongs to his parents, not him.
Shows Diamond's sense of responsibility and honesty.
“He told me to come to him—that is, when I could read—and I can.”
Diamond explains that Mr. Raymond invited him to visit once he learned to read, and he has now done so.
Demonstrates Diamond's diligence and trust in Mr. Raymond's promise.