At the Back of the North Wind

Pick three words to describe Diamond. Explain why each adjective applies to him, using the text to support your choices.

Is the North Wind the antagonist of the story? If not, who is/are the antagonist(s)?

What are the conflicts in the story? How does Diamond overcome these conflicts?

The novel includes many poems and one short story. Pick one of these intertextual references and explore its purpose in the book. How does it mirror or compare to the wider narrative?

Dreams feature prominently in At the Back of the North Wind. How do dreams influence the course of the book? You may choose either proven dreams or experiences that may be dreams, such as Diamond’s first night with the North Wind.

Although Diamond does not reach adolescence by the end of the novel, he undergoes several significant changes. Discuss one way that Diamond has changed over the course of the book.

Diamond is clearly the main character of the novel, but there are many side characters who also experience change and growth. Choose another character and discuss their journey. Include what they have learned along the way.

Diamond visits the back of the north wind but is later told by the North Wind that there is another country even farther back that is more pleasant. Based on the descriptions of the place Diamond visited, discuss what you believe is in that second country.