# In the Country explained — At the Back of the North Wind

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

## What happens

Ruby and Diamond have grown healthy and strong. Joseph's family prepares to move to the country, but Nanny is unenthusiastic, having no concept of rural life. Diamond arranges for Jim, Nanny's lame friend, to join them by convincing Mr. Raymond to employ him. The group travels to Mr. Raymond's new home, The Mound, in Kent. Diamond finds deep peace in the countryside, dreaming of the back of the north wind, though he neither sees nor hears North Wind for two months.

## Themes in this chapter

### Compassion and Service

Diamond selflessly arranges for Jim to join the move to the country, showing his care for Nanny's happiness and Jim's well-being.

### Innocence and Wisdom

Diamond's 'silliness' is seen by Mr. Raymond as the highest wisdom, contrasting with Nanny's worldly practicality.

### Home and Belonging

The move to The Mound represents a new home and sense of belonging for Diamond and his family, as well as for Nanny and Jim.

## Character check-ins

### Diamond

Has grown stout and healthy; arranges for Jim to join the move; finds quiet delight in the countryside, dreaming of the back of the north wind.

### Nanny

Now healthy and managing the baby; skeptical about the country; attached to Jim; recognizes Mr. Raymond's wife as the lady who lent her the ruby ring.

### Jim

Lame boy and Nanny's friend; brought to Mr. Raymond by Diamond; given new clothes and a chance to work in the country.

### Mr. Raymond

Returns to town; agrees to employ Jim; brings his new wife to live at The Mound; advises Joseph to give Diamond liberty.

### Joseph

Father of Diamond; prepares for migration; returns to town after settling the family; drives Ruby and Diamond with the carriage.

### Ruby

Grown respectably thin; driven down to The Mound with Diamond.

## Key lines

> There ain’t nothing in it but the sun and moon, Diamond.

Nanny dismisses the country as having nothing of interest except the sun and moon.

_Nanny's urban ignorance of rural beauty._

> the highest wisdom must ever appear folly to those who do not possess it.

True wisdom often looks like foolishness to people who lack it.

_Mr. Raymond's reflection on Diamond's perceived silliness._

> A boy like that, he said, ought not to be pushed.

Mr. Raymond advises that Diamond should not be pressured or forced.

_Mr. Raymond's insight into Diamond's nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxiv-in-the-country
- 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