At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
Diamond Takes a Fare the Wrong Way Right explained
Diamond continues his work as a cabman, picking up a fare to Wapping.
What happens
Diamond continues his work as a cabman, picking up a fare to Wapping. After being harassed by roughs, a shabby gentleman (Mr. Evans) rescues him. Diamond offers him a free ride, and Mr. Evans asks to be taken to Chiswick. Diamond realizes Mr. Evans is Miss Coleman's former fiancé, and decides to take him to the Colemans' current home in Hoxton instead, believing it best to reunite them. The wind is fierce, but Diamond manages to bring them together, and Miss Coleman gratefully kisses him and gives him five shillings. Diamond returns home to tell his parents, and his father improves upon hearing of his son's good deeds. Diamond continues cabbing for a fortnight, then goes to inquire about Nanny.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Service
Diamond selflessly offers a free ride to Mr. Evans, prioritizing kindness over profit, and later reunites him with Miss Coleman.
Moral Growth Through Adversity
Mr. Evans's hardships on a desert island teach him humility and regret for his past selfishness, leading to a desire for reconciliation.
Home and Belonging
The reunion of Mr. Evans and Miss Coleman restores a sense of home and belonging, despite the family's reduced circumstances.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
Drives his cab, picks up Mr. Evans, and cleverly reunites him with Miss Coleman despite the storm.
- Mr. Evans
Returns from a shipwreck, weary and poor; rescued by Diamond and taken to the Colemans.
- Miss Coleman
Reunited with Mr. Evans thanks to Diamond; shows gratitude with a kiss and five shillings.
- Father
Improves in health and spirits upon hearing of Diamond's helpfulness and maturity.
- Mother
Helps Diamond dress warmly for his cab work; supportive of his efforts.
- Nanny
Mentioned at the end as the person Diamond goes to inquire about after his fortnight of cabbing.
Key passages
“There are not many people who can think about beautiful things and do common work at the same time. But then there are not many people who have been to the back of the north wind.”
Few can balance lofty thoughts with mundane tasks, but Diamond's unique experience sets him apart.
Highlights Diamond's ability to maintain wonder while fulfilling his duties.
“When a man thinks of what people will say in such a case, he may love, but his love is but a poor affair.”
Love that is overly concerned with public opinion is shallow and weak.
Critique of Mr. Evans's earlier cowardice in delaying marriage due to social pressure.
“Before he got home again, he had even begun to understand that no man can make haste to be rich without going against the will of God, in which case it is the one frightful thing to be successful.”
Mr. Evans learned that pursuing wealth hastily is contrary to divine will, and success under such conditions is terrifying.
Moral lesson from Mr. Evans's suffering and reflection.