The Diary of Anne Frank Act 1 Reading Guide

How does the time period change in Scene 2?

1942

In Scene 1, what year is it?

1945

Reread paragraphs 9-13 in Scene 4. What is happening with Anne?

Anne is having a nightmare that she is being taken. The stage directions describe her as, "tossing and crying in her sleep." She screams, "No! No! Don't....Don't take me!"

What is foreshadowing? How might this be an example?

Foreshadowing is when the author hints at events to come in the plot. Anne's nightmare is an example of foreshadowing as it reminds the reader of Anne's tragic fate. Anne will be caught and arrested with her family. This adds to the sense of dread as the play progresses.

Reread paragraphs 94-107 in Scene 2. What is Peter doing? Why is he doing this?

He is getting rid of his star because it is a way he thinks the germans brand them.

Why does Mr. Dussel join the group in the attic?

Mr. Dussel joins the group because he needs to go into hiding since he has Jewish background. So Mr. Kraler asks the Franks and Van Daans if he can stay for a couple of days.

Reread paragraph 139 in Scene 2. What does Mr. Frank mean when he says, "There are... no locks that anyone can put on your mind"? What does this dialogue show about Mr. Frank as a father and as the leader of the group in hiding?

That he is not controlling Anne and is trying to get her to be comfortable in the hard situation. Making her not stress about things she bad to worry about before. As the leader of the group shows he knows what to say to ease their minds.

What happens to interrupt the Hanukkah celebration?

The event that interrupts the Hanukkah celebration is they heard a noise from down stairs. Which was a thief in the warehouse.

What is Mr. Van Daan's relationship like with Peter?

The relationship between Mr. Van Daan and Peter is not so good. They don't get along and Mr. Van Daan is hard on him. He also makes Peter doubt himself.

Why must the Franks and the Van Daans be quiet during the day?

They must be quiet because the workers come to work from 8:30 to 6 and they don't want to make noise that the workers can hear. In fear that they might get caught.

How is Anne's response to her confinement different from her sister's? What does this show us about each of their characters?

She is still not in the reality of it. She is still uncertain with what to do. Especially with the star of David. This shows that it will take time for Anne to get use to it. While Margo is a little nervous with the whole situation.

What does Mr. Van Daan say about the role of women in society?

Mr. Van Daan tells Anne what men are looking for in a woman. "Men don't like that kind of thing in a girl. You know that? A man likes a girl who'll listen to him once in a while . . . a domestic girl, who'll keep her house shining for her husband . . . who loves to cook and sew and...