# XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance explained — At the Back of the North Wind

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxv-i-make-diamond-s-acquaintance
- 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