At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
Mr. Raymond’s Riddle explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Raymond takes Diamond home and helps him understand a poem from the book North Wind gave him. Diamond explains that he makes songs with his baby brother. Mr. Raymond gives Diamond a sixpence, which Diamond intends to save for shoes. Mr. Raymond then presents a riddle from his own book for Diamond to solve.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Growth Through Adversity
Diamond's understanding of the poem's moral about consequences and doing right shows his growing wisdom.
Innocence and Wisdom
Mr. Raymond reflects that Diamond may be a genius, understanding truths without being taught, blending innocence with insight.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
Diamond visits Mr. Raymond, reads from his book, and explains his songs made with baby.
- Mr. Raymond
Mr. Raymond interprets the poem for Diamond, gives him a sixpence and a book of his own, and presents a riddle.
- Mother
Diamond's mother is mentioned as the recipient of the sixpence for the teapot savings.
- Nanny
Mentioned in connection with the hospital where Mr. Raymond hopes she will go.
Key passages
“It means that people may have their way for a while, if they like, but it will get them into such troubles they'll wish they hadn't had it.”
Mr. Raymond explains that the poem warns about the consequences of selfish choices.
Mr. Raymond interprets the poem's moral for Diamond.
“I suspect the child's a genius, and that's what makes people think him silly.”
Mr. Raymond thinks Diamond is unusually intelligent, which others mistake for foolishness.
Mr. Raymond's private reflection on Diamond's nature.
“Genius finds out truths, not tricks.”
True intelligence is about understanding deep truths, not solving puzzles.
The narrator's comment on the nature of genius.