Discussion Questions

Discuss how Anne matures through the course of her diary and how it is impacted by her diverse circumstances.

Anne spends two years in the secret annex and undergoes tremendous changes as a person. Initially a carefree, lively teenager, she grows into a mature, self-aware girl. Anne displays maturity beyond her years. Her ability to perceive those around her and her understanding of the exceptionally challenging circumstances are both laudable. Living in close quarters with other people, sharing limited resources, and under constant fear, Anne matures sooner than most children her age. The difficult and testing times teach her compassion and empathy. Having nobody to confide in and having to spend so much time indoors, Anne is forced to think more deeply about her situation. Further, the circumstances and their impact on her family make her question war and society at large.

What roles does the diary play in Anne’s life? Discuss Anne’s belief that “paper is more patient than people.”

Anne was 13 years old when she had to move into the secret annex with her family, leaving behind her friends and teachers. Life in hiding comes with challenges, and Anne suddenly finds herself feeling lonely. Further, she begins to have disagreements with her mother, who she believes does not understand her. Soon, Anne begins to yearn for a companion, a friend she could confide in. The diary, whom she fondly calls Kitty, comes to her rescue. Unlike the people in the annex, who are all anxious and stressed, the diary listens to Anne without passing judgement. The diary gives Anne an opportunity to voice her opinions, to express her deepest thoughts and desires. In those difficult times, it was the diary that provided solace and comfort to Anne.

Anne often writes of her gratitude and respect for the non-Jewish friends who help to protect those in the annex. In her book Anne Frank Remembered, Miep Gies says that she is not a hero but simply an ordinary person who was willing to do “what seemed necessary at the time.” Do you agree?

Anit-Jewish sentiment was rampant when the diary was written: with the rise of Nazism, hatred against Jews had become widespread. The hatred was directed not only at the Jews but also at anyone else who helped the Jews. The latter were typically subjected to harsh measures. Under the influence of political leaders, people were willing to report Jews to the authorities. In this context, people such as Miep indeed come across as heroic. They are willing to risk their own lives to protect their friends and acquaintances. Showing courage in the face of such diversity is truly remarkable.

Comment on Anne’s relationship with Peter.

Peter, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. van Daan, stayed with the Franks in the secret annex. One day, feeling lonely and having just had her first period, Anne decides to talk to Peter. Although he seems shy, lazy, and awkward at first, Anne realizes that she is nonetheless comfortable speaking to him. Peter and Anne interact more often and become each other’s confidants. Initially, Anne claims she is not romantically attracted to Peter; theirs is just a beautiful friendship. However, later, they kiss. When Anne tells her father about this, he advises her to not get romantically involved with him, especially while living in such close quarters. After a long conversation, Anne agrees with her father and interacts with Peter less frequently. Peter and Anne share a relationship commonly seen among teenagers; however, being mindful of their exceptional circumstances and considering the group’s interest, they both decide to end it.

How does the diary serve as an important document on the Holocaust?

Written between 1942 and 1944 by a teenage girl in hiding, the diary lays bare the horrors brought upon by the war and the horrific treatment of Jews by the Nazis. Anne documents the lives of eight individuals trapped in a secret annex; she captures details about how they interact with each other and the outside world. The individuals must constantly live in fear, always afraid that they might get discovered and deported to concentration camps. Anne describes their everyday routines: the whispers in which they spoke, the manner in which they celebrated festivals, the food they ate, and so on. Through this diary, the readers get an insight into the horrors of the war and how it impacted the common people. Anne’s creativity, her keen perception, and her attention to detail make this one of the most relevant documents to emerge out from the Holocaust.