# Mr. Raymond’s Riddle explained — At the Back of the North Wind

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxii-mr-raymond-s-riddle
- 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