At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance explained
The narrator meets Diamond for the first time at The Mound, Mr.
What happens
The narrator meets Diamond for the first time at The Mound, Mr. Raymond's estate. Diamond is reading a fairy story by Mr. Raymond and discusses his simple, fearless approach to life. He helps two frightened children draw water from a well despite a strange creature, shows the narrator his 'nest' in a beech tree, and is later installed as a page in the house. During a thunderstorm, Diamond remains calm and sings from his nest after a branch is struck by lightning.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Wisdom
Diamond's fearless, trusting nature and his calm responses to danger and fear reflect a blend of innocence and deep wisdom.
Home and Belonging
Diamond's 'nest' in the beech tree and his high room at The Mound symbolize his sense of belonging and connection to nature and the sky.
Faith and Trust
Diamond's trust in the world—whether facing a strange creature at the well or lightning—demonstrates unwavering faith.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
Reading a fairy story, discussing his opinions with the narrator, helping frightened children, showing his nest, and singing during a thunderstorm.
- Mr. Raymond
Mentioned as the author of the story Diamond is reading and as Diamond's master; the narrator visits him and Mrs. Raymond at The Mound.
- Nanny
Approaches with Jim during the thunderstorm, calls Diamond a 'little silly,' and hugs him pityingly.
- Jim
A pale-faced, awkward-looking boy who limps; comes with Nanny to fetch Diamond during the storm.
- Joseph
Diamond's father; lives with his wife in a cottage near The Mound.
- Mother
Diamond's mother; makes jam and tests it on Diamond.
- Dulcimer
Diamond sings to Dulcimer during the storm and carries it in his arms.
Key passages
“I am reading the story of the Little Lady and the Goblin Prince.”
Diamond is reading a fairy tale by Mr. Raymond.
Diamond explains his reading to the narrator.
“I always know, but I can’t always tell why.”
Diamond can sense his feelings about a story even if he can't articulate the reasons.
Diamond describes his intuitive understanding of stories.
“Because I’m silly. I’m never frightened at things.”
Diamond claims his lack of fear is due to being 'silly,' echoing the old meaning of blessed innocence.
Diamond explains why he wasn't frightened at the well.
“When nobody minds me, I get into my nest, and look up. And then the sky does mind me, and thinks about me.”
When ignored, Diamond retreats to his tree nest and feels a connection with the sky.
Diamond describes his comfort in solitude.
“The lightning and thunder, They go and they come; But the stars and the stillness Are always at home.”
Diamond sings that storms are temporary, but peace and constancy remain.
Diamond's song after the thunderstorm.
