Saturday, October 2, 2010

In Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, why do you think Anne decided to change her attitude toward Mrs. Van Daan?

Anne's inconsistent attitude toward Mrs. Van Daan is
probably indicative of her journey through adolescence during the time the family is in
hiding.  Early on, Anne finds her to be kind of funny and spirited (much like Anne
herself).  Although no one in the hiding place is particularly enjoying themselves, Mrs.
Van Daan complains frequently, a character trait Anne finds annoying.  She and Anne are
also at cross purposes over Anne's relationship with Peter; as many mothers tend to do,
Mrs. Van Daan is still treating him like a child, which irritates Anne.  One evening the
group is engaged in conflict over Mr. Van Daan's stealing of bread--everyone is angry
and things are not looking good for the future of the group--until news that the Allies
have invaded Europe.  The group immediately buries their respective hatchets out of joy
that hopefully they will soon free. Of course, the sad irony, we know, is that it is
still too little, too late.  The hideout will be found, and only Otto Frank will survive
the concentration camps. 

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