The Diary of Anne Frank

Saturday 27 April 2013

What examples of courage, compassion, and sacrifice do you see in the film? Do the

people who perform these acts think of themselves as heroic? Specifically consider Miep

Gies, Jan Gies and the other people who helped the eight residents of the secret annex.

What did they risk by helping the annex residents and how did they feel about it? Do

you think you would have acted similarly or differently?

Why do the residents of the annex celebrate holidays and birthdays while they are in

hiding? How do these events contribute to a sense of “normality” in an abnormal

environment and why is that important?

Consider Otto Frank’s statement to the fellow residents of the annex: “We’re lucky. We’re

really very lucky.” Why does he say this and what impact does it have on the residents of

the annex?

How and why does Anne develop as a writer during her two years in hiding? What

influences her perception of herself as a writer and how does this affect her relationships

with other people? How does it change the way she views herself as a person?

How does Anne’s image of herself and of her future as a woman differ from her image of

her mother and of Mrs. van Daan? What new feelings does Anne have about herself and

her priorities? With whom does she discuss these feelings?

In what specific ways did Anne change during her months in the annex? To what extent

are these changes in response to her situation in hiding, and to what extent are these

changes part of growing up?

Briefly (in not more than 100 words) summarize Section 1 of the novel. Remember to include ONLY the main events.