1. The Diary of Anne Frank
Let’s READ!

2. You will need: The Literature textbook (pg. 486) Loose leaf
Note-taking tools
A growth mindset 

3. Objectives Explore the key idea of impact Identify and analyze theme
Read a play and a diary entry
Use a story map to analyze plot development
Use writing to analyze literature

4. A Note About the Authors: From Comedies to Drama
Screenwriting team Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett were a married couple known for their upbeat comedies and musicals. In the late 1940s, they began working on a drama that would take eight years to complete. Their play, The Diary of Anne Frank, was based on Anne Frank’s diary entries. As part of their research, the couple traveled to Amsterdam to interview Anne’s father and to see the family’s hiding place. Their play adaptation won a Pulitzer Prize in 1956.

5. A Note About Theme
The play you are about to read is based on a diary written by Anne Frank, a teenager who spent more than two years hiding from the Nazis. When Anne’s diary was published, readers around the world were profoundly touched that, despite all she had been through, she still believed people were good at heart.
When the playwrights adapted Anne’s diary, they used her belief in the essential goodness of people as one of the work’s themes. As you read, notice how Anne’s thoughts and feelings, as well as the characters’ relationships with each other, work together to express this theme.

6. Vocabulary in Context Apprehension Disgruntled Foreboding Fortify
Indignantly
Pandemonium
Remorse
Unabashed

7. Act I Cast Anne Frank Mr. Van Daan Margot Frank Mrs. Van Daan
Paige James
Elizabeth Jacob
Alayna Ethan
Margot Frank Mrs. Van Daan
Ella Lauren
Olivia Hannah
Marissa Kimmya
Mr. Frank Mr. Dussel
Nate Ty
Marshall Kollin
Zachary Nathan
Mrs. Frank Miep Gies
Hailey Braylee
Jailyn Amanda
Victoria Kaylind
Peter Van Daan Mr. Kraler
Christopher Caine
Connor Austin
Joseph Trenton

8. Scene I Name changes: “Van Daan”=Van Pels & “Mr. Dussel”=Fritz Pfeffer
Otto Frank changes their names when he published Anne’s diary
The Star of David
Dates back to ancient times
A sign of God’s protection
Used in synagogues, the flag of Israel, and Jewish tombstones

9. Scene I: Discussion Questions
Why is Mr. Frank planning to leave Amsterdam? How does he describe himself? (Theme)
How does Mr. Frank feel toward Miep? Do you know why?
Why might Mr. Frank tell Miep to burn the papers she found?
Note the date of Anne’s diary entry in relationship to the time in which this scene is set. What might Anne’s diary explain?
What problem do the Franks face? How do they react? (Story Map)

10. Scene II: Discussion Questions
Why do you think Miep and Mr. Kraler are helping the Franks and the Van Daans? What risks are they taking? (Theme)
The hiding place has very limited space. Think about a time you might have spent in a crowded living arrangement. Do you think inviting the Van Daans was an easy decision for Mr. Frank to make? Explain.
What is the reason that Mr. Frank invites the Van Daans? What does this reveal about his charater?
Do you think Mr. Frank should have invited the Van Daans?

11. Scene II: Discussion Questions
What is the first major event of Scene II? (Story Map)
What happened to Anne’s cat? What does this make you realize about the impact of the war?
What would be the first thing you would do in Anne’s situation?
In what ways are Peter and Anne the same or different? Explain using details from the text.
Based on what you learn about the two characters, what do you think each will find the most difficult about their living situation?

12. Scene II: Discussion Questions
In what way is Anne going to view her experience in hiding? What does this reveal about her outlook on life? (Theme)
How does Anne’s attitude suggest a possible theme?
What does the choice of gift show about Mr. Frank’s relationship with Anne? (Theme)
What does Anne realize about the idea of “going into hiding”? (Story Map)
How does Anne view Miep and Mr. Kraler? How do you think they influence her attitude? (Theme)

13. Scene III: Discussion Questions
How does the location of their hiding place have an impact on the lives of the Franks and the Van Daans?
How would you feel if you had to be quiet from eight in the morning until six at night? What would be the first thing you would do at six o’clock?
How are the interactions between the characters different from the way they were at first?
Why do you think Peter behaves the way he does toward Anne?
What feelings do you think Peter is experiencing when his mother calls Anne his “little girl friend”? How would you feel?

14. Scene III: Discussion Questions
In what way would you describe Mrs. Van Daan, based on her comments?
What feelings do you think Mrs. Frank has about the direction of the conversation? Why?
What impact are the months of hiding starting to have on Anne and the others?
Why does Mr. Frank say “there’s nothing the matter with our Anne that a ride on her bike, or a visit with her friend…wouldn’t cure”? (Theme)
If you were in hiding, would you rather live with the Franks or the Van Daans?

15. Scene III: Discussion Questions
In what ways are the Franks different from the Van Daans?
What are the various sources of tension within the Van Daan family?
Lines : What happens in this passage? What do the interactions between the characters show about how living in hiding is affecting Mr. Van Daan? (Story Map)
Would you find Anne annoying if you had to live with her in the Annex? Why or why not?
Based on the dialogue of the Van Daans, how are the two characters alike?

16. Scene III: Discussion Questions
Do you think Mrs. Van Daan is justified in the way she reacts to Anne?
Margot and Anne have different ways of coping with their situations. Would you react more like Margot or more like Anne? Explain.
Why don’t Anne and her mother get along?
What is Anne feeling that motivates her to act as she does?
What request does Mr. Kraler make that will change the lives of the characters? (Story Map)

17. Scene III: Discussion Questions
How do the different characters react to the news of Mr. Dussel’s arrival? (Theme)
What is the immediate impact of Mr. Dussel’s arrival on Anne and the others?
Lines : If you were Mr. Frank, what would you be concerned about in this situation?
Based on Mr. Van Daan’s comments, what conflict might arise from the arrival of Mr. Dussel?
Cognac is a kind of liquor that can be used for medicinal purposes or to celebrate something positive. Why does Mr. Frank demand that they have some now?

18. Scene III: Discussion Questions
What is Mr. Kraler’s explanation for why he helps the Franks and the Van Daans? (Theme)
In what condition did the Franks leave their house? What was the impact on their friends and neighbors?
What bad news does Anne find out from Mr. Dussel? (Story Map)
What has been the impact on the days events on Mr. Dussel? Why does he feel this way?
How does Anne treat Mr. Dussel? (Theme)

19. Scene III: Discussion Questions
Have you ever had to share a room? Based on your experience, what kinds of disagreements do you think Anne and Mr. Dussel have?
Is it surprising that Anne and Mr. Dussel do not get along? Explain.
Compare what Mr. Dussel tells Anne in lines with the reality of their coexistence. What important idea is brought out by the difference between word and deed?

20. Scene IV: Discussion Questions
Lines : What is Mr. Van Daan doing? In what way will his action affect others? (Story Map)
What is one way in which the strain of living in hiding has had an impact on the relationships in the Frank family?
Why does Anne review the events of her day each night? (Theme)
If you had been in hiding for as long as Anne and the others have, what would you want to do?
Why does Mr. Frank think more frequent air raids is a good sign?
In what way do you think good news about the war affects the conditions in the Annex?

21. Scene V: Discussion Questions
What message do the words of the prayer convey to those listening? (Theme)
What kind of impact does Anne’s present to her mother have? Why?
What would you be thinking if you were Peter waiting for your gift from Anne?
Anne is described as hesitant before she gives Peter his gift. Why do you think she pauses and appears uncertain?
What might Peter’s lack of comment and Anne’s choice of gift suggest about their interaction, compared to earlier in the play?

22. Scene V: Discussion Questions
After seeing the presents Anne gives to everyone, does your opinion of her change? Why or why not? (Theme)
What is Mr. Van Daan’s attitude toward Mouschi? Why? (Theme)
What major event occurs at the end of the Hanukkah celebration? (Story Map)
Lines : How do the characters react to this crisis? What theme is conveyed by this behavior? (Theme)
Who is the intruder in the warehouse? How does Mr. Frank know? (Story Map)

23. Scene V: Discussion Questions
According to Mr. Dussel, what impact will this incident have on their safety?
What does Mr. Frank say to encourage the others? How do his words and example affect them? (Theme)
In what way does Mr. Dussel influence the interactions among characters in the Annex? What theme is brought out by his presence?
Do you think the portrayal of the characters and their situation is realistic enough? If not, what might the playwrights add or remove?

24. Diary Entry: Written Response Questions
Both the real Anne and the character reserve their most private thoughts for their diaries. How do you think the real Anne might feel about the fact that her diary is so widely read?
Reread lines in the play. Based on your reading of the diary entry, is this a conversation that the real Anne might have had?
Do you think the playwrights portrayed Anne realistically? Explain.

25. Act II Cast Anne Frank Mr. Van Daan Margot Frank Mrs. Van Daan
Ella Jordan
Jaci Nijah
Jeannette Alec R.
Margot Frank Mrs. Van Daan
Katie Paige
Jamie McKenna
Emilee Hailey
Mr. Frank Mr. Dussel
Ryan Mitchell
Nik Ethan
Shawn Alec B.
Mrs. Frank Miep Gies
Braylee Lauren
Olivia Elizabeth
Madison Kimmya
Peter Van Daan Mr. Kraler
Justin Brayden
Brennon Tyler
Hunter Bryce

26. Scene I: Discussion Questions
In what way has the setting changed from the last scene of Act I? In what way has it stayed the same? (Story Map)
Why is everyone startled when the buzzer rings? How do they react when they realize who it is?
What feelings would you have if you had a pet and it disappeared? What feelings do you think Peter is experiencing over Mouschi’s absence?
Is it a complete surprise that Mouschi is missing? Why or why not?
What do you think happened to Mouschi?

27. Scene I: Discussion Questions
The inhabitants of the Annex are very excited to eat the cake. Would you feel the same if you were in their position? Why?
Based on what you know about Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, do you believe Mr. Dussel’s accusation that Mrs. Van Daan cuts bigger portions for her husband? Explain.
How do the characters’ reactions to Miep’s gift show their true natures?
What impact has Mouschi’s disappearance had on the inhabitants of the Annex?
Lines : With whom do you sympathize in this situation—Mr. or Mrs. Van Daan?

28. Scene I: Discussion Questions
Why does Mr. Van Daan want the money?
Who do you think feels worse about the “discussion” about the fur coat—the Van Daans or the others?
What is Mr. Kraler’s attitude towards his illness? (Theme)
What complication has arisen in the office that might affect those hiding in the Annex? (Story Map)
Mr. Kraler did not tell his wife the real reason for his visit to the office. Why hasn’t he confided in her? (Theme)

29. Scene I: Discussion Questions
What does Margot’s remark reveal about the impact this time in hiding has had on her?
Is Anne’s approach to dealing with the situation different from her mother’s? Explain. (Theme)
Why does Peter go to Anne’s room? What change is seen in their relationship here? (Theme)
Whom do you talk to about your problems? In what way do you think Anne will feel after this conversation with Peter?
What changes are evident in both Anne and Peter?
What two events occur that affect the inhabitants of the Annex greatly? (Story Map)

30. Scene II: Discussion Questions
What impact do Anne’s visits to Peter’s room have on her mother?
How does Margot’s reaction to Anne and Peter’s relationship show her good nature? (Theme)
If you were Anne, would visiting Peter be worth the criticism? Why or why not?
How has Mrs. Van Daan’s attitude toward Anne’s friendship with Peter changed from earlier in the play?
What might account for Mrs. Van Daan’s attitude? Explain.

31. Scene II: Discussion Questions
How does Anne think she has changed? (Theme)
How does Anne’s uncertainty about the future affect her attitude about her life in the present? (Theme)
What impact have Anne’s visits to Peter had on her life?

32. Scene III: Discussion Questions
What have the residents of the Annex just discovered? (Story Map)
Why does Mr. Van Daan’s theft have such a strong impact on Mrs. Frank?
Why do you think Mr. Frank doesn’t support his wife’s demand that the Van Daan’s leave? (Theme)
Why do you think Mr. Van Daan feels ill? What does this reaction show about him? (Theme)
Which character has the reaction that you might have in a similar situation?

33. Scene III: Discussion Questions
What is Mr. Dussel’s motivation for his behavior during this crisis?
Explain what Mr. Frank means when he says, “We don’t need the Nazis to destroy us. We’re destroying ourselves.”
What impact does the news of the invasion have on the characters?
What does the invasion of Normandy mean for the residents of the Annex? (Story Map)
What does Mrs. Frank’s remorse show about her previous outburst? (Theme)
What mixture of good and bad news does Anne’s diary entry contain?

34. Scene IV: Discussion Questions
Why are the residents of the Annex so tense? (Story Map)
Would you answer the phone? Why or why not?
How are the reactions of the characters consistent with their behavior up to now?
Why do you think Miep has not visited in three days and the workers did not show up on Friday?
What is Anne’s purpose in this speech? (Theme)

35. Scene IV: Discussion Questions
Who are the people who have helped Anne and the others? How does the thought of them affect Anne? (Theme)
How does Anne’s experience with her mother influence her view of what is happening in the world? (Theme)
What is the climax of the plot? (Story Map)

36. Scene V: Discussion Questions
What happens after the soldiers take the group away?
In what way has Mr. Frank changed from the first scene of the play? How does this change support the major theme? (Theme)
What makes the fate of Anne and the others particularly hard to accept? (Reflect)

37. The End