ELA Unit 4 G8

Mr. Van Daan. No. No. (ra Mrs. Van Daan) I have one . . . a darling little cat. But they made me
Come along, liefie.6 leave her behind. I left some food and a nore for the
neighbors to take care of her. . . Im going to miss
Mrs. Van Daan. You'll be all right, Peter? You're her terribly. \What is yours? A him or a her?
not afraid?
Peter. He's a tom. He doesn't like strangers.
Peter (embarrassed). Please, Mother.
(They start up the stairs to the attic room aboue. (He tahes the cat from her, putting it bach in its

Mr. Frank. You too must have some resr, Edith. You carrier.)
didn't close your eyes last night. Nor you, Margot.
Anne @abapbed). Then I'll have ro srop beins
Anne.I slept, Father. \(/asn'r that funny? I knew it
was the last night in my own bed, and yet I slept 360 a stranger, won't I? Is he fixed?

soundly. Peter (startled). Huh?

Mr. Frank. I'm glad, Anne. Now you'll be able to Anne. Did you have him fixed?
help me straighten things in here. (ra Mrs. Frank
andMargot) Come with me . . . You and Margot Peter. No.
rest in this room for the time being. (He picks up
no their clotltes, startingfor tlte room on the right.) Anne. Oh, you ought to have him fixed-to keep
him from-you know, fighting. \7here did you
Mrs. Frank.Youte sure . . . ? I could help . . .
And Anne hasn't had her milk . . . go to school?

Mr. Frank. I'll give it to her. (to Anne andPeter) Peter. Jewish Secondary.

Anne, Peter . . . it's best that you take off your Anne. But that's where Margot and I go! I never
shoes now, before you forget. (He leads the way
to the room, followed b1t Margot.) saw you around.
Mrs. Frank. Youte sure youte not tired, Anne?
ezo Peter. I used to see you . . . sometimes . . .
Anne. I feel fine. I m going to help Father.
Anne. You did?
Mrs. Frank. Peter, I m glad you are to be with us.
Peter... . in the school yard. You were always in
aao Peter. Yes, Mrs. Frank. the middle of a bunch of kids. (He tahes a penknife
from his pocket.)
(Mrs. Frank goes to join Mr. Frank andMargot.)
Anne. Vhy didnt you ever come over?
Ml(During th e fo llowing s cene Frank h e lps Margot Peter.I'm sort of a lone wolf. (He starts to rip off

andMrl Frank to hang up their clothes. Then he his Star of Dauid.)

persuades them both to lie down and rest. TheYan Anne. \7hat are you doing?

Daans in their room aboue settle themselues. In the Peter. Taking it off.

main room Anne andPeter remoue their shoes. Peter tso Anne. But you can't do that. They'll arrest you
if you go out without your star.
takes his cat out of the carrier.)
(He tosses his knife on the table.)
Anne. \7hat's your catt name?
Peter. \7hot going out?
Peter. Mouschi.T
Anne. \7hy, of course! You're right! Of course we
350 Anne. Mouschi!Mouschi! Mouschi! (She picbs up don't need them any more. (She pichs up his knife

tlte cat, walhing away with it. ToPeter.) I Iove cats. ffiand starts to tahe her star I wonder what our

friends will think when we don't show up today?

Peter.I didn't have any dates with anyone.

6. liefie ll6t'yel Dutcfu little darling.
7. Mouschi (mo-'sh0)

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 517

=effi

.IosWAs CINV A] IEHI :T IINO 8rs

Anne. Oh, I did. I had a date with Jopie to go and Mr. Frank. \7e have some bread and butter.
no play ping-pong at her house. Do you know Jopie
Peter. No, thank you.
de \7aal?8
qto Mr. Frank. You can have it for luncheon then.
Peter. No. And tonight we will have a real supper . . .
our first supper together.
Anne.Jopie's my best friend. I wonder what
she'll think when she telephones and there's no Peter. Thanks. Thanks.
answer? . . . Probably she'lI go oyer to the house . . .
(He goes into his room. During the following scene
I wonder what she'll think. . . we left everything l'te arranges his possessions in his new room.)
as if we'd suddenly been called away .. . breakfast
dishes in the sink. . . beds not made . . . (As she Mr. Frank. Thatt a nice boy, Peter.

pulls offher star, the cloth underneath shoras clearly Anne. He's awfully shy, isn't he?

4oo tlte color and form of the star.) Look! Itt still there! Mr. Frank. You'll like him, I know.

(Peter goes ouer t0 the stoae witb his star.) What're Anne. I certainly hope so, since he's the only boy
you going to do with yours? 440I'm likely to see for months and months.

Peter. Burn it. (Mr. Frank sits down, tahingrffhit shoes.)
Mr. Frank. Annele,e theret a box there. \Will you
Anne (She starts to tbrow /ters in, and cannot.) It's
funny, I can't throw mine away. I don't know why. open it? (He indicates d cartzn on the coach. Anne

Peter. You can't throw . . . ? Something they brings it to the center table. In the sneet below there
branded you with . . . ? That they made you wear
so they could spit on you? is the sound of children playing.)

Anne. i know. I know. But after all, it is the Star Anne (as she opens tbe carton). You know the way

aro of David, isn't it? I m going to think of it here? I'm going to think
of it as a boarding house. A very peculiar summer
(In the bedroom, right,Margot andMrs. Frank boarding house, like the one that we-(She breaks
are lying down. Mr. Frank starts quietly out.) aso offas she pulls zut some photographs.) Father! My
movie stars! I was wondering where they were!
Peter. Maybe it's different for a girl. i was looking for them this morning . . . and
Queen \Wilhelmina! How wonderful!
(Mr. Frank comes into the main room.)
Mr. Frank. There's something more. Go on.
Mr. Frank. Forgive me, Peter. Now let me see. Look further. (He goes oaer to the sink, pouring
\(/e must find a bed for your cat. (He goes to a a glass of milk from a thermos bottle,)
cupboard.) I m glad you brought your cat. Anne Anne (pulling out a pasteboard-bound book).
was feeling so badly about hers. (getting a used A diary! (She throws ber arms around her father,)
I've never had a diary. And I ve always longed for
small uasbtub) Here we are. \flill it be comfortable 460 one. (She looks around the room.) Pencil, pencil,

+:o in that? pencil, pencil. (She starts down the stairs,) I'm

Peler (gathering up his things). Thanks. going down to the office to get a pencil.

Mr. Frank (opening the door of the room on the left). Mr. Frank. Anne! No! (He goes afier her, catchirug
And here is your room. But I warn you, Peter, you
her by the arm and pullirug her bach.)
can't grow any more. Not an inch, or you'll have
to sleep with your feet out of the skylight. Are you Anne(startled).But there's no one in the
building now.
hungry?

Peter. No.

8. Jopie de Waal (yo'pe de v5l')
9. Annele/Anneke: a nickname for Anne.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 519

Mr. Frank. It doesn't matter. I don't want you ever to him arud pours some of tbe milb from her glass
510 into the saucer for tlte cat. Peter squats on the floor,
to go beyond that door.
?utting the milk before the cat. Mr. Frunk giues
Anne (sobered). Never . . . ? Not even at Anne his fountdin ?en, and then goes into the room
azo nighttime, when everyone is gone? Or on at the right. For a second Anne watches tlte cat, tlten
she goes ouer to tlte center table, and opens her diary.
Sundays? Can't I go down to listen to the radio?
In the roorn dt the right, Mrs. Frank ltas sat up
Mr. Frank. Never. I am sorry, Anneke. It isn't safe.
No, you must never go beyond that door. quickly at the sound of the carillon, Mr Frank comes

(For the first tirne Anne realizes what "going into in and sits down beside her on the settee, his arm
hiding" means.) comfortingly around her.

Anne. I see. Upstairs, in the attic room,Mr. andMrs.Yan
szo Daan baue hung their clothes in the closet and are
Mr. Frank. It'll be hard, I know. But always
now seated on tlte iron bed. Mrs.YanDaan leans
remember this, Anneke. There are no walls, there back exhausted. Mr.YanDaanfans her witb a
are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your
news?d?en
<a0 mind. Miep will bring us books. \7e will read
Anne starts to write in her diarlt. The lights dim
history, poetry, mythology. (He giues her the glass
out, the curtain falls.
of milk.) Here's your milk. (With bis arm about
In the darkness Annet Yoice cornes to us again,
ber, they go luer t0 tlte couclt, sitting dottn side by faintly at first, and then with growing strength.)
side,) As a matter of fact, between us, Anne, being Anne's Voice. I expect I should be describing what
here has certain advantages for you. For instance, it feels like to go into hiding. But I really dont
you remember the battle you had with your
mother the other day on the subject of overshoes? rao know yet myself. I only know itt funny never to
You said you'd rather die than wear overshoes.
But in the end you had to wear them? \7ell now, be able to go outdoors . . . never to breathe fresh

490 you see, for as long as we are here you will never air . . . never to run and shout and jr-p. It's the
have to wear overshoes! Isn't that good? And the
coat that you inherited from Margot, you won't silence in the nights that frightens me most. Every
have to wear that any more. And the piano!You time I hear a creak in the house, or a step on the
won't have to practice on the piano. I tell you, this street outside, I'm sure they're coming for us. The
is going to be a fine life for you! days aren't so bad. At least we know that Miep and
Mr. Kraler are down there below us in the office.
(Anne's panic is gone. Peter appears in the doorway Our protectors, we call them. I asked Father what
of his room, with a s*ucer in his hand. He is carrying would happen to them if the Nazis found out they
540 were hiding us. Pim said that they would suffer the
bis cat.) same fate that we would . . . Imagine! They know
this, and yet when they come up here, they're
Peter. I . . . L . . I thought I'd better get some always cheerful and gay as if there were nothing in
the world to bother them . . . Friday, the twenty-
5oo water for Mouschi before . . . first of August, nineteen forty-two. Today I m
going to tell you our general news. Mother is
Mr. Frank. Of course.
unbearable. She insists on ueating me like a baby,
(As he starts toward the sink the carillon begins to which I loathe. Otherwise things are going better.
chime the hour of eight. He tiptoes to the window at The weather is . . .
the back and loohs down at the street below. He turns
sso (As Annet Yoice is fading zut, the curtain rises
to Peter, i.ndicating in pantomime that it is too late. on tlte scene.)
Peter starts back for his room. He steps oru a creahing
board. The three of them arefrozenfor a minute in
fear. As Peter starts away again, Aine tiptoes ouer

520 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

It is a little afier six o'clock in the euening Peter. You're going to be sorryl

tuto months later. Anne. Am I? (Peter goes after /ter. Anne, with bis
shoes in her hand, runs from him, dodging behind
Margot is in the bedroom at tbe right, studying.
Mr. Van Daan is lying down in the attic room her mother.)

aboae. Mrs. Frank (protesting). Anne, dear!

The rest of the 'family" is in the main room. Anne Peter. \Vait till I get youl
andPeter sit opposite each other at tlte center table,
where thel haue been doing their lessons, Mrs. Frank Anne. I'm waitingl (Peter makes a lunge for her.
5eo is on the couch. Mrs. Van Daan is seated with her They both fall to the floor. Peter pins lter down,
fur coat, on which she has been seruing in her lap. urestling utith her to get the shoes.) Don't! Don't!
None of tbern are uearing their shoes. Peter, stop it. Ouch!

Their eyes Are on Mr. Frank, waitingfor hiru to Mrs. Frank. Anne! . . . Peter!
giue them the signal uhich taill release thern from
their day-long quiet. Mr. Frank, his shoes in his (SuddenlyPeter becomes selfconscious. He grabs his
hand, stands looking dotan out of the window at the
back, utatching to be sure that all of the utorkmen shoes roughly and starts for his roorn.)
haue lefi the building belout. Anne (following him). Peter, where are you going?
Come dance with me.
Afier afeu seconds of motionless silence,
sto Mr. Frank turns from the utindow. Peter. I tell you I dont know how

Mr. Frank (quietly, to the group). It's safe now. Anne.I'll teach you.
The last workman has left. (There is an immediate
stir of reliefl Peter.I'm going to give Mouschi his dinner.

Anne (Her pent-u? energ)/ explodes.) \trHEE! Anne. Can I watch?

Mrs. Frank (startled, amused). Anne! Peter. He doesn't like people around while he eats.

Mrs. Van Daan. I m first for the w.c. (She hurries off Anne. Peter, please.

to the bathroom. Mrs. Frank puts on lter sboes and 610 Peter. No! (He goes into his room. Anne slams his
starts u? to the sinh to ?re?dre su??er. Anne sneaks door ffier him.)
Peteri sboes from under the table and hides them Mrs. Frank. Anne, dear, I think you shouldn't play
sao behind her back. Mr. Frankgoes in to Margot's room.)
like that with Peter. Itt not dignified.
Mr. Frank (to Maryot). Six otlock. School's over. Anne. \fho cares if it's dignified? I don't want to

(Margot gets u?, s*etching. Mr. Frank sits down be dignified.
to pat on his shoes. In the main roomPeter tries (Mr. Frank andMargot comefrom tlte room on the
to find his.) right. Margot goes to help ber mother. Mr. Frank
Peter (to Anne). Have you seen my shoes? starts for the center table to correct Margot's school

Anne (inno cently). Yow shoes? papers.)

Peter. Youve taken them, haven't you? ozo Mrs. Frank (to Anne). You complain that I don't
treat you like a grownup. But when I do, you
Anne. I don't know what you're talking about.
resent it.

Anne. I only want some fun . . . someone to laugh
and clown with . . . After youve sat still all day

and hardly moved, youve got to have some fun.

I don't know what's the matter with that boy.

THF, DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 521

Mr. Frank. He isn't used to girls. Give him a little Mrs. Van Daan (to Peter). Now is that any way to
time. talk to your little girl friend?

Anne. Time? Isn't two months time? I could cry. Peter. Mother . . . for heavent sake . . . will you
sto (catching hold of Marsot) Come on, Margot . . .
please stop saying that?
dance with me. Come on, please.
Margot.I have to help with supper. Mrs. Van Daan. Look at him blush! Look at himl

Anne. You know we're going to forget how to ozo Peter. Please! I'm not . . . anyway . . . let me alone,
dance . . . \7hen we get out we won't remember will you?
a thing.
Mrs. Van Daan. He acts like it was something to be
(She starts to sirug and dance by herself Mr. Frank
takes her in ltis arms, wahzing with her. Mrs. Van ashamed of Itt nothing to be ashamed of, to have
Daan comes in from the batbroom.)
a little girl friend.
Mrs. Van Daan. Next? (Sbe looks around as slte starts
640 Putting on her shoes.) \Wheret Peter? Peter. You're crazy. She's only thirteen.

Anne (as they are dancing). \fhere would he be! Mrs. Van Daan. So what? And you're sixteen. Just

Mrs. Van Daan. He hasn't finished his lessons, perfect. Your father's ten years older than I am. (to

has he? His father'll kill him if he catches him Mr. Frank) I warn you, Mr. Frank, if this war lasts
in there with that cat and his work not done. much longer, weie going to be related and then . . .
(Mr. Frank and Anne firuish their dance. They bou
eso Mr. Frank. Mazeltoullo
to each other with ex*audgdntformality.) Anne, get
him out of there, will you? Mrs. Frank (deliberately changing the conuersation).

Anne (at Peter's door).Peter? Peter? I wonder where Miep is. She's usually so prompt.
Peter (opening the door a crach). \What is it?
(Suddenly euerlthing else is forgotten ds tbql hear the
e;o Anne. Your mother says to come out. sound of an automobile coming to a screeching stop
in the street below. They are tense, motionless in their
Peter.I'm giving Mouschi his dinner.
terror. The car stdrts away. A waue of relief sweeps
Mrs. Van Daan. You know what your father says. ouer tltem. Tbey pick up their occu?ations again.
(She sits on the couclt, seraing on the lining of her Anne flings open the door of Peter's room, making

fur coat.) a dramatic entrdnce. She is dressed inPeter's clothes.
Peter. For heaven's sake, I haven't even looked
at him since lunch. oqo Peter loobs at her in fury. The others are amused.)

Mrs. Van Daan. I'm just telling you, that's all. Anne. Good evening, everyone. Forgive me if

Anne.I'll feed him. I don't stay. (She jum?s u? on a chair.) I have a
friend waiting for me in there. My friend Tom.
Peter.I don't want you in there.
Tom Cat. Some people say that we look alike.
eeo Mrs. Van Daan. Peterl
But Tom has the most beautiful whiskers, and I
Peter (ro Anne). Then give him his dinner and have only a little ftszz.I am hoping. . . in time . . .
come right out, you hear? (He comes bach to the
table. Anne shuts the door ofPeter's room afier her Peter. All right, Mrs. Quack Quack!
and disappears behind the curtain couering his closet.)
Anne (outraged-jum?ing down). P etert.

Peter.I heard about you . . . How you talked
zoo so much in class they called you Mrs. Quack

Quack. How Mr. Smitter made you write a
composition . . . "'Quack, quack,' said Mrs.

Quack Quack."

10. Mazeltov! (md'zel t6f ') Hebrewt Congratulations!

s22 UNIT 4: THEME AND SYMBOL

Anne. \7ell, go on. Tell them the rest. How it was Mrs. Van Daan. For heaven's sake, don't give that
so good he read it out loud to the class and then child any pills. I waited for fifteen minutes this
read it to all his other classes! morning for her to come out of the w.c.

Peter. Quack! Quack! Quack. . . Quack. . . Anne.l was washing my hairl
Quack. . .
(Anne pulk offthe coat and trousers.) Mr. Frank. I think there's nothing the matter
with our Anne that a ride on her bike, or a
zro Anne. You are the most intolerable, insufferable zto visit with her friend Jopie de \Vaal wouldn't cure.
boy I ve ever metl
Isn't that so, Anne?
(She throws the clothes down the stairwell. Peter goes
dotan afier tbem.) (Mr. Van Daan comes down into the room.
From outside we hear faint sounds of bombers going
Peter. Quack, quack, quack! ouer and a burst of ack-ack.)
Mrs. Van Daan (to Anne). That's right, Anneke!
Give it to him! Mr. Van Daan. Miep not come yet?

Anne. \7ith all the boys in the world . . .\(/hy Mrs. Van Daan. The workmen just left, a little
I had to get locked up with one like you! . . . while ago.

Peter. Quack, quack, quack, and from now on stay Mr. Van Daan. \fhat's for dinner tonight?
T2o out of my room!
Mrs. Van Daan. Beans.
(AsPeter passes /ter, Anne pats out herfoot, tripping
him. He pichs himselfup, and goes on into his room.) zeo Mr.Van Daan. Not again!

Mrs. Frank (quietl). Anne, dear . . . your hair. Mrs. Van Daan. Poor Putti! I know. But what can
(She feek Anne's forehead) You're warm. Are you we do? That's all that Miep brought us.
feeling all right?
(Mr. Van Daan starts to ?ace, his hands behind his
Anne. Please, Mother. (She goes ouer to tbe center back. Annefollows behind him, irnitating him,)
table, slipping into ber sboes.)
Anne. \7e are now in what is known as the "bean
Mrs. Frank (following ber).You haven't a fever, cycle." Beans boiled, beans en casserole, beans
have you? with strings, beans without strings . . .

zao Anne (pulling dud.1). No. No. (Peter ltas come out of his room. He slides into his
place at the table, becoming irnmediately absorbed
Mrs. Frank. You know we can't call a doctor no in his studies.)
here, ever. There's only one thing to do . . .
watch carefully. Prevent an illness before it comes. Mr. Van Daan (to Peter). I saw you . . . in there,
Let me see your tongue. playing with your cat.

Anne. Mother, this is perfectly absurd. Mrs. Van Daan. He just went in for a second,
putting his coat away. Het been out here all the
Mrs. Frank. Anne, dear, don't be such a baby. Let time, doing his lessons.
me see your tongue. (As Anne refuses, Mrs. Frank
Mr. Frank (looking up from the papers). Anne, you
appeals toMr, Frank,) Otto . . . ? got an excellent in your history paper today . . .
Mr. Frank. You hear your mother, Anne. (Anne and very good in Latin.
ruo flicks out her tongue for a second, tlten turns away.)
Mrs. Frank. Come on-open upt (as Anne opens Anne (sitting beside him). How about algebra?
her mouth uery wide) You seem all right . . . but
zso Mr. Frank. I'll have to make a confession. Up until
perhaps an aspirin . . .
now I ve managed to stay ahead of you in algebra.
Today you caught up with me. 'We'll leave it to
Margot to correct.

THF, DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 523

Anne. Isn't algebra uile, Pimt Mrs. Van Daan. Oh, I embarrass you, do I? \fell,

Mr. Frank. Vile! I just hope the girl you marry has as good. (then to
Anne) My father used to worry about me, with so
Margot (to Mr. Frank). How did I do? many boys hanging round. He told me, if any of
them gets fresh, you say to him . . . "Remember,
Anne (getting up). Excellent, excellent, excellent, Mr. So-and-So, remember I'm alady."

excellent! s:o Anne. "Remember, Mr. So-and-So, remember
I'm a lady." (She giues Mrs. Van Daan her coat.)
Mr. Frank (to Margot). You should have used the
zlo subjunctive here . . . Mr. Van Daan. Look at you, talking that way in
front of her! Don't you know she puts it all down
Margot.Should I? . . . I thought. . . lookhere. . . in that diary?
I didn't use it here . . . (The two become absorbed
in the papers.) Mrs. Van Daan. So, if she does? I'm only telling
the truth!
Anne. Mrs. Van Daan, may I try on your coat?
(Anne stretches out, putting her ear to the floor
Mrs. Frank. No, Anne. listening to tultat is going on below. The sound of

Mrs. Van Daan (giuing it to Anne).It's all right . . . the bombers fades away.)
but careful with it. (Anne puts it on and struts witb
it.) My father gave me that the year before he died. s4o Mrs. Frank (setting the table). \7ould you mind,
Peter, if I moved you over to the couch?
He always bought the best that money could buy.
Anne(listening).Miep must have the radio on.
soo Anne. Mrs. Van Daan, did you have a lot of boy
friends before you were married? (Peter pichs up bis papers, goirug ouer to the couch
beside Mrs. Van Daan.)
Mrs. Frank. Anne, that's a personal question.
It's not courteous to ask personal questions. Mr. Van Daan (accusingly, to Peter). Haven't you
finished yet?
Mrs. Van Daan. Oh I don't mind. (ra Anne)
Our house was always swarming with boys. Peter. No.

\When I was a girl we had . . . Mr. Van Daan. You ought to be ashamed of yourselfl

Mr. Van Daan. Oh, God. Not again! Peter. All right. All right. I m a dunce. I'm a
sro hopeless case. tVhy do I go on?
Mrs. Van Daan (good-humored). Shut up!
(Without d ?ause, to Anne. Mr. Van Daan Mrs. Van Daan. You're not hopeless. Don't talk
uo mimics Mrs. Van Daan, speaking the first few that way. It's just that you haven't anyone to help
words in unison utith her,) One summer we had you, like the girls have. (to Mr. Frank) Maybe you
a big house in Hilversum. The boys cameb'szzing could help him, Mr. Frank?

round like bees around a jam pot. And when I Mr. Frank. I'm sure that his father . . . ?

was sixteen! . . . \We were wearing our skirts very Mr. Van Daan. Not me. I can't do anything with

short those days and I had goodJooking legs. him. He won't listen to me. You go ahead . . . if
(She pulls up her skirt, going to Mr. Frank,) I
still have 'em. I may not be as pretty as I used you want.
to be, but I still have my legs. How about it,
Mr. Frank? Mr. Frank (going toPeter). tWhat about it, Peter?
aoo Shall we make our school coeducational?
azo Mr. Van Daan. All right. All right. \7e see them.
Mrs. Van Daan (kissingMr. Frank). You're an
Mrs. Van Daan. I'm not asking you. I'm asking
Mr. Frank. angel, Mr. Frank. An angel. I don't know why
I didn't meet you before I met that one there.
Peter. Mother, for heaven's sake.

524 uNrr 4: THEME AND sYMBoL

Here, sit down, Mr. Frank . . . (She forces him
down on the couch beside Peter.) Now, Peter, you

listen to Mr. Frank.

Mr. Frank. It might be better for us to go into Perer's
room. (Peter jumps up eagnly, leadirug the ruay.)

Mrs. Van Daan. That's right. You go in there, Peter.
szo You listen to Mr. Frank. Mr. Frank is a highly

educated man. (As Mr. Frank is about to follow
Peter into ltis room, Mrs. Frank stops bim and u-,ipes

the lipstick from his lips. Then she closes the door
after them.)

Anne (on the floor, listening). Shh! I can hear a

man's voice talking.

Mr. Van Daan (to Anne). Isn't it bad enough here
without your sprawling all over the place? (Anne

sits up.)

sso Mrs. Van Daan (to Mr. Van Daan). If you didn't
smoke so much, you wouldn't be so bad-tempered.

Mr. Van Daan. Am I smoking? Do you see me

smoking?

Mrs. Van Daan. Don't tell me youve used up all

those cigarettes.

Mr. Van Daan. One package. Miep only brought
me one package.

Mrs. Van Daan. It's a filthy habit anyway. It's a Mr. Van Daan. Yesl
good time to break yourself,
Mrs. Frank (quickly). Anne, will you get me my
aso Mr. Van Daan. Oh, stop it, please. knitting? (Anne goes t0 get it.) I must remember,
when Miep comes, to ask her to bring me some
Mrs. Van Daan. You're smoking up all our money.
You know that, don't you? more wool.
Mr. Van Daan. \X/ill you shut up? (During this,
Mrs. Frank andMargot haue studiously kept tbeir Margot (going to her room). I need some hairpins
eyes down. But Anne, seated on the floor, has been e10 and some soap. I made a list. (She goes into her

followirug the discussion interestedly, Mr. Van Daan bedroom to get the list.)

turns t0 see her staring up at him.) And what are Mrs. Frank (ra Anne). Have you some library
you staring at? books for Miep when she comes?

Anne.I never heard grownups quarrel before. Anne. Itt a wonder that Miep has a life of her own,

roo I thought only children quarreled. the way we make her run errands for us. Please,
Miep, get me some starch. Please take my hair out
Mr. Van Daan. This isn't a quarrel! It's a discussion. and have it cut. Tell me all the latest news, Miep.

And I never heard children so rude before.

Anne (rising, indignantlJi. 1, rude!

THE DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 525

(She goes ouer, kneeling on the couch beside Mrs. Van Mr. Van Daan (restraining himself with dfficuh).
Daan.) Did you know she was engaged? His name \Vhy aren't you nice and quiet like your sister
roo Margot? \Vhy do you have to show off all the
rzo is Dirk, and Miept afraid the Nazis will ship him time? Let me give you a little advice, young lady.
off to Germany to work in one of their war plants. Men don't like that kind of thing in a girl. You
That's what they're doing with some of the young know that? A man likes a girl who'll listen to him
Dutchmen . . . they pick them up off the streets- once in a while . . . a domestic girl, who'll keep

Mr. Van Daan (interrupting). Don't you ever get her house shining for her husband . . . who loves
tired of talking? Suppose you try keeping still for to cook and sew and . . .
five minutes. Just five minutes. (He starts to ?ace
again. Agairu Annefollous him, mimiching him. Anne. I'd cut my throat firstl I'd open my veins!
Mrs. Frank jumps up and tahes her by the arm I'm going to be remarkable! I m going to Paris . . .
u? to the sink, and giues lter a glass of milk.)
Mr. Van Daan (scffingly). Paist
930 Mrs. Frank. Come here, Anne. It's time for your
glass of milk. szo Anne.. .. to study music and art.

Mr. Van Daan. Talk, talk, talk. I never heard such Mr. Van Daan. Yeah! Yeah!
a child. \7here is my . . . ? Every evening it's the
same, talk, talk, talk. (He looks around.) -Where Anne. I m going to be a famous dancer or
singer . . . or something wonderful. (She rnakes
ismy...?
a ruide gesture, spilling the glass of milk on the fur
Mrs. Van Daan. \Whatte you looking for?
coat in Mrs. Van Daan's lap. Margot rusbes quickly
Mr. Van Daan. My pipe. Have you seen my pipe?
Mrs. Van Daan. \X/hat good's a pipe? You haven't ouer witlt a totael. Anne tries to brush the milh off
got any tobacco.
with her skirt.)
gm Mr,Van Daan. At least I'll have something to hold
Mrs. Van Daan. Now look what you've done . . .
in my mouth! (opening Margot's bedroom door) you clumsy little fool! My beautiful fur coat my
Margot, have you seen my pipe? sso father gave me . . .

Margot.It was on the table last night. (Anne puts Anne. I'm so sorry.
her glass of milk on the table and picks up his pipe, Mrs. Van Daan. \What do you care? It isn't yours
hiding it behind her back.) . . . So go on, ruin it! Do you know what that coat
cost? Do you? And now look at it! Look at it!
Mr. Van Daan. I know. I know. Anne, did you see
mypipe?...Anne! Anne. I'm very, very sorry.

Mrs. Frank. Anne, Mr. Van Daan is speaking Mrs. Van Daan. I could kill you for this. I could
to you. just kill youl (Mrs. Van Daan goes up the stairs,
clutching the coat. Mr. Van Daan starts after her.)
e5o Anne. Am I allowed to talk now?
Mr. Van Daan. Petronella . . . liefie! Liefie! . . .
Mr. Van Daan. You're the most aggravating . . .
The trouble with you is, you've been spoiled. qso Come back. . . the supper. . . come back!
\What you need is a good old-fashioned spanking.
Mrs. Frank. Anne, you must not behave in
Anne (mimicking Mrs. Van Daan). "Remembet that way.

Mr. So-and-So, remember I'm alady." (She Anne. It was an accident. Anyone can have an

tbrusts the pipe into his mouth, then picks up her accident.
glass of milk.)
Mrs. Frank. I dont mean that. I mean the
answering back. You must not answer back.
They are our guests. \7e must always show the

526 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

greatest courtesy to them. \Wete all living under Margot. You know Anne . In half an hour she'll
terrible tension. (She stops as Margot indicates that ro<o be out here, laughing and joking.
rooo Van Daan can hear. When he is gone, she continues.)
That's why we must control ourselves . . . You dont Mrs. Frank. And . . . (She makes a mztizn upwards,
hear Margot getting into arguments with them, do indicating theYan Daans.) . . . I told your father
you? tVatch Margot. She's always courteous with itwouldn'twork. . . but no. . . no . . . hehad
them. Never familiar. She keeps her distance. to ask them, he said . . . he owed it to him, he
And they respect her for it. Try to be like Margot. said. \7ell, he knows now that I was right!
These quarrels! . . . This bickering!
Anne. And have them walk all over me, the way
they do her? No, thanks! Margot (with a warning /oa*). Shush. Shush.

Mrs. Frank. I'm not afraid that anyone is going (The bwzzer for the door sounds. Mrs. Frank gasps,
to walk all over you, Anne. I m afraid for other
roro people, that you'll walk on them. I don't know startled.)
what happens to you, Anne. You are wild, self-
willed. If I had ever talked to my mother as you roso Mrs. Frank. Every time I hear that sound, my

talktome... heart stops!

Anne. Things have changed. People aren't like Margot (startingfor Peter} door).It's Miep.
that any more. "Yes, Mother." "No, Mother." (She knocks at the door.) Father?
'Anything you say, Mother." I've got to fight
things out for myself'! Make something of myself! (Mr. Frank comes quichbfro* Peter's roorn.)

Mrs. Frank. It isn't necessary to fight to do it. Mr. Frank. Thank you, Margot (as he goes down the
Margot doesn't fight, and isn't she . . . ?
ste?s to oPen the outer door) Has everyone his list?
rozo Anne (uiolently rebellious). Margot! Margot!
Margot.I'll get my books. (giuing her mother a
Margot! That's all I hear from everyone . . . how list) Here's your list. (Margot goes into her and
wonderful Margot is . . . "\Mhy aren't you like Anne's bedrooru on the right. Anne sits up, biding
rceo lter tedrs, As Margot comes in.) Miep's here.
Margot?"
(Margot picks up her books and goes back. Anne
Margot (protesting). Oh, come on, Anne, don't hurries ouer to tlte mirror, srnoothing her hair.)

beso... Mr. Van Daan (coming down the stair).Is it Miep?

Anne (paying no attention). Everything she does Margot. Yes. Father's gone down to let her in.

is right, and everything I do is wrong! I'm the Mr. Van Daan. At last I'll have some cigarettes!
goat around herel . . . You're all against me! . . . Mrs. Frank (to Mr. Van Daan). I can't tell you
And you worst of all! how unhappy I am about Mrs. Van Daan's coat.

rcn (She rusltes offinto her room and throuts herself Anne should never have touched it.
doun on tlte settee, st{ling her sobs. Mrs. Frank
sigbs and starts toward tbe stoue.) Mr. Van Daan. She'll be all right.

Mrs. Frank (ra Margot). Let's put the soup on rozo Mrs. Frank. Is there anything I can do?
the stove . . . if there's anyone who cares to eat.
Margot, will you take the bread out? (Margot gets Mr. Van Daan. Don't worry.
tbe bread from the cupboard.) I don't know how (He turns to meet Miep. But it is notMiep who
we can go on living this way . . . I can't say
a word to Anne . . . she flies at me . . . Mlczmes uP the steps. h is Mr. Kraler, followed by

Frank. Their faces are graue. Anne cornes from the

bedroom. Peter comes fom his room.)

Mrs. Frank. Mr. Kraler!

Mr. Van Daan. How are you, Mr. Kraler?

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 527

Margot. This is a surprise. Mr. Frank. Forgive me. I spoke without consulting
you. But I knewyou'd feel as I do.
Mrs. Frank. \7hen Mr. Kraler comes, the sun
roao begins to shine. r rzo Mr. Van Daan. Theret no reason for you to
consult anyone. This is your place. You have a
Mr. Van Daan. Miep is coming? right to do exactly as you please. The only thing
I feel . . . there's so little food as it is . . . and to
Mr. Kraler. Not tonight. take in another person . . .

(Kraler goes to Margot arudMrs. Frank andAnne, (Peter turns dwdy, ashamed of his father,)
shaking hands with them.) Mr. Frank.'We can stretch the food a little.
It's only for a few days.
Mrs. Frank. \Touldn't you like a cup of coffee? . . .
Or, better still, will you have supper with us? Mr. Van Daan. You want to make a bet?

Mr. Frank. Mr. Kraler has something to talk over Mrs. Frank. I think itt fine to have him. But,
with us. Something has happened, he says, which
demands an immediate decision. rrao Otto, where are you going to put him? \flhere?

roqo Mrs. ftank (fearful). \fhat is it? Peter. He can have my bed. I can sleep on the
floor. I wouldn't mind.
(Mr. lftaler sits down on the couclt. As he talks he
takes bread, cabbagel milk, etc., from his briefcase, Mr. Frank. That's good of you, Peter. But your
giuing thern to Margot and Anne to ?ut dua!.) room's too small . . . eYen for you.

Mr. Kraler. Usually, when I come up here, I try to Anne.I have a much better idea. I'll come in

bring you some bit of good news. \7hat's the use here with you and Mother, and Margot can take
of telling you the bad news when theret nothing Peter's room and Peter can go in our room with
that you can do about it? But today something Mr. Dussel.

has happened . . . Dirk. . . Miept Dirk, you Margot. That's right. \7e could do that.

know, came to me just now. He tells me that he u4o Mr. Frank. No, Margot. You mustn't sleep in
rroo has aJewish friend living near him. A dentist. that room . . . neither you nor Anne. Mouschi
has caught some rats in there. Peter's brave.
He says he's in trouble. He begged me, could I He doesn't mind.
do anything for this man? Could I find him a
hiding place? . . . So I've come to you. . . I know Anne. Then how about this? I'll come in here with
it's a terrible thing to ask of you, living as you are, you and Mother, and Mr. Dussel can have my bed.
but would you take him in with you? Mrs. Frank. No. No. No!Margot will come in
here with us and he can have her bed. It's the
Mr. Frank. Of course we will. only way. Margot, bring your things in here.

Mr. Kraler (rising).It'll be just for a night or two Help her, Anne.
. . . until I find some other place. This happened
so suddenly that I didn't know where to turn. rr:o (Margot hurries into lter room to get her things.)

rrro Mr. Frank. \Where is he? Anne (to her mother). \Why Margot? \fhy can't
I come in here?
Mr. Kraler. Downstairs in the office.
Mrs. Frank. Because it wouldn't be proper for
Mr. Frank. Good. Bring him up.
Margot to sleep with a. . . Please, Anne. Don't
Mr. Kraler. His name is Dussel . . .J", Dussel.
argue. Please. (Anne starts slowly dwd.!.)
Mr. Frank. Dussel . . . I think I knowhim.
Mr. Frank. (ra Anne). You don't mind sharing
Mr. Kraler. I'll get him. (He goes quickly down your room with Mr. Dussel, do you, Anne?

the steps and out. Mr. Frank suddenly becomes

conscious of the others.)

528 uNrr 4: THEME AND sYMBoL

Anne. No. No, of course not. Mr. Van Daan. Someonet moving in with us.
Mrs. Van Daan. In here? You're joking.
Mr. Frank. Good. (Anne goes offinto her bedroom,
neo helpingMargot. Mr. Frank starts t0 search in the Margot.It's only for a night or two . . . until
Mr. Kraler finds him another place.
cupboards.) \7here's the cognac?
Mr. Van Daan. Yeah! Yeah!
Mrs. Frank. It's there. But, Otto, I was saving it
in case of illness. (Mr. Frank hurries oaer As Mr. Kraler and
Dussel corne u?. Dussel is a man in his kte fifiies,
Mr. Frank. i think we couldn't find a better time meticulous, fnicky . . , bewildered noru. He wears
to use it. Peter, will you get five glasses for me? a raincoat. He carries a briefcase, stffidfull, and

(Peter goes for the glasses. Margot cornes lut of a smallmedicine case.)

her bedroom, carrying her possessiorus, which she Mr. Frank. Come in, Mr. Dussel.

hangs behind a curtain in the main room. Ml Mr. Kraler. This is Mr. Frank.

Frankfinds the cognac and pours it into tbe fiue Dussel. Mr. Otto Frank?

uto glasses thatPeter brings him. Mr. Van Daan Mr. Frank. Yes. Let me take your things.
stands looking on sourly. Mrs. Van Daan comes (He taha the hat and briefcase, butDussel clings
downstairs and looks around at allthe bustle.) rtgo to his medicine case.)This is mywife Edith. . .

Mrs. Van Daan. \7hat's happening? \7hat's
going on?

THE DIARY oF ANNE TTRANK: ACT oNE 529

Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan . . . their son, Peter . . . me . . . She said she'd gone to your house . . . the
and my daughters, Margot and Anne. door was open, everything was in disorder, dishes
(Dussel shakes hands with eueryone.) in the sink. She said she found a piece of paper
in the wastebasket with an address scribbled on
Mr. Kraler. Thank you, Mr. Frank. Thank you all.
Mr. Dussel, I leave you in good hands. Oh . . . it . . . an address in Zurich. She said you must
Dirk's coat. have escaped to Zurich.
(Dussel hurriedly tahes offthe rAincoat, giuing it to
Mr. Kraler. (Jnderneath is his uthite dentist\ jachet, Anne. Father put that there purposely . . .
utith a yellow Star of Dauid on it.) just so people would think that very thing!
rzoo Dussel (to Mr. Kraler). \What can I say to thank
Dussel. And youve been here all the time?
you...?
n4o Mrs. Frank. All the time . . . ever since July.
Mrs. Frank (ra Dussel). Mr. Kraler and Miep . . .
Theyte our life line. 'S7'ithout them we couldn't (Anne speaks to her father as lte comes back.)
Anne. It worked, Pim . . . the address you left!
live. Mr. Dussel says that people believe we escaped
to Switzerland.
Mr. Kraler. Please. Please. You make us seem very
Mr. Frank. I m glad . . . And now let's have a little
heroic. It isn't that at all. \We simply don't like drink to welcome Mr. Dussel. (Before they can
the Nazis. (to Mr. Frank, uho offers bim a drink) drink, Mr. Dussel bobs his drink. Mr. Frank smiles
No, thanks . (then going on) \7e don't like their and raises his glass.) To Mr. Dussel. \7elcome.
methods. \7e don't like . . . \7e're very honored to have you with us.
rzro Mr. Frank (smilizg). I know. I know. "No onet
going to tell us Dutchmen what to do with our rz;o Mrs. Frank. To Mr. Dussel, welcome.

damn Jews!" (TheYan Daans rrlurrrtur a welcome. The "grown-
ups" drinh.)
Mr. Kraler (ra Dussel). Pay no attention to Mr.
Frank. I'11 be up tomorrow to see that theyte Mrs. Van Daan. Um. That was good.
treating you right. (to Mr. Frank) Don't trouble
to come down again. Peter will bolt the door after Mr. Van Daan. Did Mr. Kraler warn you that you
me, won't you, Peter? won't get much to eat here? You can imagine . . .
three ration books among the seven of us . . . and
Peter. Yes, sir. now you make eight.

Mr. Frank. Thank you, Peter. I'll do it. (Peter walks away, humiliated. Outside d street
organ is heard dimly.)
nzo Mr. Kraler. Good night. Good night.
rzeo Dussel (rising). Mr. Van Daan, you don't realize
Group. Good night, Mr. Kraler.'W'e'll see you what is happening outside that you should
tomorrow, (etc., etc.) warn me of a thing like that. You don't realize
what's going on . . . (AsMr.YanDaan starts
(Mr. Kraler goes out taith Mr. Frank. Mrs. Frank
giues each one of the "groutnults" a glass of cognac.) ltis characteristic pacing, Dussel turns to speah to
the others.) Right here in Amsterdam every day
Mrs. Frank. Please, Mr. Dussel, sit down. hundreds ofJews disappear . . . They surround
a block and search house by house. Children
(Mr. Dussel sinks into a chair. Mrs. Frank giues
him a glass of cognac.) come home from school to find their parents
gone. Hundreds are being deported . . . people
Dussel.I'm dreaming. I know it. I cant believe n7o thatyou and I know. . . the Hallensteins . . .
my eyes. Mr. Otto Frank here! (to Mrs. Frank) thelVessels...
rzao You're not in Switzerland then? A woman told

530 uNrr 4: THEME AND sYMBoL

Mrs. Frank (in tears). Oh, no. No! Dussel (shahing hands u.,ith each in turn), Forgive
me if I haven't really expressed my gratirude to
Dussel. They get their call-up notice . . . come all of you. This has been such a shock to me. I'd
to the Jewish theatre on such and such a day always thought of myself as Dutch. I was born in
and hour . . . bring only what you can carry in Holland. My father was born in Holland, and my
a rucksack. And if you refuse the call-up norice, grandfather. And now . . . after all these years . . .
then they come and drag you from your home (He breaks off) If you'll excuse me.
and ship you off to Mauthausen.ll The death
(Dussel giues a little bou and hurries offafier
camp! Anne. Mr. Frank and the otlters are subdued.)

rzgo Mrs. Frank. \We didn't know that things had got r3zo Anne (turning on the light).Well, here we are.
so much worse.
(Dussel loobs around the room. In the main room
Dussel. Forgive me for speaking so. Margot speaks to ber mother.)

Anne (coming to Drssel). Do you know the Margot. The news sounds pretty bad, doesn't it?
de \Waals? . . . \7hat's become of them? Their It's so different from what Mr. Kraler tells us.
Mr. Kraler says things are improving.
daughter Jopie and I are in the same class.
Mr. Van Daan. I like it better the way Kraler tells it.
Jopiet my best friend.
Dussel. They are gone. (They resume their occupationl quietly. Peter goes
offinto his room, Iru Anne's room, Anne turns to
Anne. Gone? Dussel.)

Dussel. \nZith all the others. raao Anne. You're going to share the room with me.

rzeo Anne. Oh, no. Not Jopie! Dussel.I'm a man who's always lived alone.

(She turns atuay, in tears. Mrl Frank motions I haven't had to adjust myself to others. I hope
you'll bear with me until I learn.
to Margot to comfort her. Margot goes to Anne,
?utting lter arms comfortingly around her) Anne. Let me help you. (She takes his briefcase,)
Mrs. Van Daan. There were some people called Do you always live all alone? Have you no family
\fagner. They lived near us . . . ? at all?

Mr. Frank (interrupting, tuith a glance at Anne). Dussel. No one. (He opens his medicine case and
I think we should put this off until later. \7e all
have many questions we want to ask. . . But I'm spreads his bottles on the dressing table.)
sure that Mr. Dussel would like to get settled
raoo before supper. Anne. How dreadful. You must be terribly lonely.

Dussel. Thank you. I would. I brought very little ra<o Dussel. I'm used to it.
with me. Anne.I don't think I could ever get used to it.
Didn't you even have a pet? A cat, or a dog?
Mr. Frank (giuing him his hat and briefcase).I'm
Dussel.I have an allergy for fur-bearing animals.
sorry we can't give you a room alone. But I hope They give me asthma.

you won't be too uncomfortable. \We ve had to Anne. Oh, dear. Peter has a cat.
make strict rules here . . . a schedule of hours . . .
\We'll tell you after supper. Anne, would you like Dussel. Here? He has it here?
to take Mr. Dussel to his room?
Anne. Yes. But we hardly ever see it. He keeps it in
Anne (contolling her tears).If you'll come with his room all the time. I m sure it will be all right.
r310 me, Mr. Dussel? (She startsfor ber room.)

11. Mauthausen (mout'hou'zen): a Nazi concentration camp in Austria.

IHE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 531

Dussel. Let us hope so. Anne. Of course. I hope I'm not going to be too
much of a bother to you. I seem to be able to get
tzso (He tabes some pills tofutdfl himself)
1390 everyone's back up.
Anne. That's Margot's bed, where you're going
(Dussel lies dou-,n on the sofa, curled up, his bach
to sleep. I sleep on the sofa there. (indicating the
clothes hooks on the wall) 'We cleared these off for to her.)

your things. (She goes oaer to the window.) The Dussel. I always get along very well with children.
best part about this room . . . you can look down My patients all bring their children to me,
and see a bit of the street and the canal. There's because they know I get on well with them.
So don't you worry about that.
a houseboat . . . you can see the end ofit . . . a
(Anne leans ouer hirn, taking his hand and shaking
bargeman lives there with his family . . . They it gratefulb.)
have a baby and het just beginning to walk and
rreo I'm so afraid het going to fall into the canal some Anne. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Dussel.

day. Iwatchhim... ruoo (The lights dim to darknest The curtain falk on tbe
scene. Anne's Voice comes t0 us faintly at first, and
Dussel (interrupting). Your father spoke of a then with increasing power.)
schedule.
Anne's Voice. . . . And yesterday I finished
Anne (coming auay from the u-,indow). Oh, yes. It's Cissy Van Marxvelt's latest book. I think she
mosdy about the times we have to be quiet. And is a first-class writer. I shall definitely let my
times for the w.c. You can use it now if you like. children read her. Monday the twenty-first of
September, nineteen forty-two. Mr. Dussel
Dussel GtrftU. No, thank you. and I had another battle yesterday. Yes, Mr.
Anne.I suppose you think it's awful, my talking Dussel!According to him, nothing, I repeat . . .
about a thing like that. But you don't know r+ro nothing, is right about me . . . my appearance,
r:zo how important it can get to be, especially when
you're frightened . . . About this room, the way my character, my manners. \While he was going
Margot and I did . . . she had it to herself in the
afternoons for studying, reading . . . lessons, you on at me I thought . . . sometime I'll give you

know. . . and I took the mornings. \7ould that such a smack that you'll fly right up to the
be all right with you? ceiling!\Why is it that every grownup thinks he

Dusse!.I'm not at my best in the morning. knows the way to bring up children? Particularly

Anne. You stay here in the mornings then. the grownups that never had any. i keep

I'll take the room in the afternoons. wishing that Peter was a girl instead of a boy.
Then I would have someone to talk to. Margot's
Dussel. Tell me, when youte in here, what a darling, but she takes everything too seriously.
raso happens to me? \ilZhere am I spending my time? vzo To pause for a moment on the subject of Mrs.
Van Daan. I must tell you that her attemprs to
In there, with all the people?
flirt with Father are getting her nowhere. Pim,
Anne. Yes.
thank goodness, won't play.
Dussel.Isee. Isee.
(As she is saying the last lines, the curtain rises on
Anne.'We have supper at half past six.
the darkened scene, Anne'sVoicefades out.)
Dussel (going oaer to the sofa). Then, if you don't
mind . . . I like to lie down quiedy for ten minutes
before eating. I find it helps the digestion.

532 uNIT 4: THEME AND syMBoL

It is the mid.dle of the night, seueral months later. (In the main room Mrs. Frank grabs a shawl and
Tbe stage is darh except for a lhtle light ruhich comes pulls it around her. She rushes in to Anne, taking
her in lter arms, Mr. Frank hurriedly gets up,
through the skylight inPeter's room. ?utting on his ouercodt. Margot sits u1t, terrified.
Peter's light goes on in his room.)
Eueryone is in bed. Ml andMrs. Frank lie on
Mrs. Frank (to Anne, in her room). Hush, darling,
tz;lo tl)e couclt in the main room, which has been pulled
zut t0 sera€ as a makesbifi double bed, hush. It's all right. Itt all right. (ouer her showld.er
t470 ra Dussel) \7ill you be kind enough to turn on
Margot is sleeping on a mattress on the floor in
the main roorn, behind a curtain stretched across the light, Mr. Dussel? (bach ra Anne) Itt nothing,
for priuacy. The others are all in their accustomed
my darling. It was just a dream.
r0oms.
(Dussel turns on the light in the bedroom. Mrs.
From outside we hear two drunken soldiers Frank holds Anne in her arms. Gradually Anne
cornes out of her nightmare, still trembling with
singing "Lili Marlene." A girl\ high gigle is heard. ltorror. Mr. Frank comes into the room, and goes
quickly to the window, looking zut to be sure
The sound of runningfeet is heard coming closer tltat no one outside had heard Anne's screams,
and then fading in the distance. Throughout the Mrs. Frank holds Anne, talking sofily to her. In
u40 scene there is the distant sound of airplanes passing 1480 the main roomMargot stands on a chair turning
0n tl)e center hanging lamp. A light goes on in the
ouerhead.
Van Daan's room ouerltead. Peter puts his robe on,
A match suddenly flares u? in the attic.
\Ye dimly seeMl Van Daan. He is getting his coming out of his room,)

bearings. He comes quickly down the stairs, and goes Dussel (ra Mrs. Frank, blowing his nose). Something
to the cupboard where the food is stored. Again the must be done about that child, Mrs. Frahk. Yelling
match /lares up, and is as quickly bloutn out. The like that! \W/ho knows but there's somebody on the
dim f.gure is seen to steal back up the stairs. streets? She's endangering all our lives.

There is quietfor a second 0r tu)o, broken only Mrs. Frank. Anne, darling.
by the sound of airplanes, and runningfeet on the
Dussel. Every night she rwists and turns. I dont
ru50 street below. t490 sleep. I spend half my night shushing her. And

Suddenly out of the silence and the dark, we ltear now it's nightmares!
Anne scream.
(Margot comes to the door of Anne's room, follorued
Anne (screamizg). No! No! Dont . . . dont take me! by Peter. Mr. Frank ga es to tltem, indicating that
euerylthing is all right. Peter takes Margot back.)
(Slte moans, tossing and crying in her sleep, The
other people wake, terrified. Dussel sits up in bed, Mrs. Frank (ra Anne). You're here, safe, you see?
Nothing has happened. (to Dussel) Please, Mr.
furious.) Dussel, go back to bed. She'lI be herself in a
Dussel. Shush!Anne!Anne, for Godt sake, shush! minute or two. lWont you, Anne?

Anne (still in her nightmare). Save me! Save me! Dussel (picking up a booh and a pillow). Thank
t 500 you, but I'm going to the wc. The one place
(She screams and smeams. Dussel gets zut of bed,
veo going luer t0 her, trying to wake her.) where there's peace! (He stalhs out. Mr. Van Daan,
in undertaear and trousers, cornes doun tbe stairs.)
Dussel. For God's sake! Quiet! Quiet!You want
someone to hear?

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT oNE 533

Mr.Van Daan (to Dussel). \7hat is it? \Mhat Mr. Frank (sensing her hurt). Edith, Liebe,
schau . . .13
happened?
Mrs. Frank. Es macht nichts! Ich danke dern lieben
Dussel.A nightmare. She was having a nightmare! b+o Herrgott, dnss sie sich wenigstens an Dich wendet,

Mr. Van Daan. I thought someone was murdering u.,enn sie Tiost braucht! Geh hinein, Otto, sie ist ganz
hysteriscb uor Angst.t4 (as Mr. Frank hesitates) Geh
her. zu ihr.'5 (He looks at herfor a second and then goes to
get d cuP of waterfor Anne. Mrs. Frank sinks down
Dussel. Unfortunately, no. on the bed, herface in her hands, trying to keep fiorn
sobbing ahud. Margot czmes oaer to her putting her
(He goes into the bathroom. Mr. Van Daan goes arms around her.) Shewants nothing of me. She
src back up the stairs. Mr. Franh in the main room, pulled away when I leaned down to kiss her.

seruds Peter back to his own bedroom.) Margot.It's a phase . . . You heard Father . . .

Mr. Frank. Thank you, Peter. Go back to bed. rsso Most girls go through it . . . they turn to their
(Peter goes back to his room. Mr. Frankp llows him,
turning out the light and looking out the window. fathers at this age . . . they give all their love to
Then he goes back to the rnain roorrt, and gets u? on their fathers.
a chair, turning out the center hanging lamp.)
Mrs. Frank (ro Anne). -Would you like some water? Mrs. Frank. You weren't like this. You didnt shut
(Anne shakes her head.) \Was it ayery bad dream? me out.
Perhaps if you told me . . . ? Margot. She'll get over it . . . (Sbe smloths the bed
forMrs. Frank and sits beside lter a moment as
r5zo Anne.l'd rather not talk about it. Mrs. Frank lies dnutn. In Anne's roorn Mr. Frank
cornes in, sitting down by Anne, Anne/lings her
Mrs. Frank. Poor darling.Try to sleep then. arms around him, clinging to bim. In the distance

I'll sit right here beside you until you fall asleep. r:,60 ae hear the sound of ack-ack.)

(She brings a stool ouer, sitting tbere.) Anne. Oh, Pim. I dreamed that they came to get
uslThe Green Police!They broke down the door
Anne. You don't have to. and grabbed me and started to drag me out the
Mrs. Frank. But I'd like to stay with you . . .
very much. Really. way they did Jopie.
Mr. Frank. I want you to take this pill.
Anne.IU rather you didn't.
Anne.\What is it?
Mrs. Frank. Good night, then. (She leans down to
kiss Anne. Anne throws her arm uP oaer her face, Mr. Frank. Something to quiet you.

sn turning autay. Mrs Frank, hiding her hurt, hisses (She takes it and drinbs the water. In the main

Annei arm.)Yo:u'll be all right? Theret nothing room Margot turns zut tbe light and goes back
that you want?
Anne. \Will you please ask Father to come. 1570 to her bed.)

Mrs. Frank (afier a second). Of course, Anne dear. Mr. Frank (ra Anne). Do you want me to read
(She hurries out into the other room. Mr. Frank to you for a while?
comes t0 lter as she comes in.) Sie uerkngt nach Dir!12

12. SieverlangtnachDirlze fer-liingt' ndrr dir) German? She is askingforyou.
'13. Liebe,schou (le'be shou') Cerman: Deal look.
14. Esmocht.,,vorAngst\Es maKHt'niKHts'! Yru ddngk'eddm le'ben hEr'g6t', d6szezYrs'van'Yrs-

shtenz iin diru'v6n'det, vEn ze tr6st' brourut'! ga hin-rn', 6t't0; ze Yst giints hu-st6r'ish f6r dngst')
German;lt'sallright. IthankdearCodthatatleastsheturnstoyouwhensheneedscomfort. Goin,
Otto; she is hystericalwith fear.
Geh zu ihr (ga' tso-o ir') Germanz Go to her.

534 uNrr 4: THEME AND sYMBoL

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE

Anne. No. Just sit with me for a minute. \7as I Of course I may do something worse . . . but at
awful? Did I yell terribly loud? Do you think least I'll never do that againt.. . . I have a nicer side,
Father . . . a sweeter, nicer side. But I'm scared to
anyone outside could have heard? show it. I m afraid that people are going to laugh at
me if I'm serious. So the mean Anne comes to the
Mr. Frank. No. No. Lie quietly now. Thy to sleep. outside and the good Anne stays on the inside, and
I keep on trying to switch them around and have
Anne.l'm a terrible coward. I'm so disappointed the good Anne outside and the bad Anne inside
in myself I think I've conquered my fear . . . I
and be what Id like to be . . . and might be . . . if
think Im really grown-up . . . and then something
t;so happens . . . and I run to you like ababy. . . I love rezo only . . . only . . . (She is asleep. Mr. Frank watches
herfor d moment and then turns offthe light, and
you, Father. I dont love anyone but you. starts out. The lights dim out. The curtain falls on the
scene. Anne's Voice is heard dintly atfirst, and then
Mr. Frank (reproachfull). Annele! with growing strength.)

Anne.It's true. I've been thinking about it for Anne's Voice. . . . The air raids are getting worse.
a long time. You're the only one I love. They come over day and night. The noise is
terrifying. Pim says it should be music to our ears.
Mr. Frank. It's fine to hear you tell me that you
love me. But I d be happier if you said you loved The more planes, the sooner will come the end of
your mother as well . . . She needs your help so
the war. Mrs. Van Daan pretends to be a fatalist.
much...yourlove... roao \(/hat will be, will be. But when the planes come

Anne.\7e have nothing in common. She doesnt over, who is the most frightened? No one else but
r59o understand me. \Thenever I try to explain my Petronella! . . . Monday, the ninth of November,
nineteen forty-two. \Wonderful news! The Allies
views on life to her she asks me if I'm constipated. have landed in Africa. Pim says that we can look
for an early finish to the war. Just for fun he asked
Mr. Frank. You hurt her very much just now. each of us what was the first thing we wanted to
She's crying. She's in there crying. do when we got out of here. Mrs. Van Daan longs
to be home with her own things, her needle-point
Anne.I cant help it. I only told the truth. I didnt chairs, the Beckstein piano her father gave her . . .
want her here . . . (then, utith sudden cbange) Oh, reao the best that money could buy. Peter would like
Pim, I was horrible, wasn't I? And the worst of to go to a movie. Mr. Dussel wants to get back to
it is, I can stand off and look at myself doing it his dentist's drill. He's afraid he is losing his touch.
For myself there are so many things . . . to ride a
and know itt cruel and yet I can't stop doing it. bike again . . . to laugh till my belly aches . . . to
'What's the matter with me? Tell me. Dont say itt have new clothes from the skin out . . . to have a
hot tub filled to overflowing and wallow in it for
reoo just a phase! Help me. hours . . . to be back in school with my friends . . .

Mr. Frank. There is so little that we parents can do (As the last lines are being said, the curtain rises on
to help our children. \7e can only try to set a good tlte scene. The lights dim onusAnne's Yoicefades
example . . . point the way. The rest you must do
yourself You must build your own character. rcso aruay.)

Anne.I'm trying. Really I am. Every night I think
back over all of the things I did that day that
were wrong . . . like putting the wer mop in Mr.
Dussel's bed . . . and this thing now with Mother.
I say to myself, that was wrong. I make up my
reto mind, I'm never going to do that again. Never!

536 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

It is the first nigbt of the Hanuhkaht6 celebration. nor the moon by night. The Lord shall keep thee
Mr. Frank is standing at the head of the table on from all evil. He shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall
guard thy going out and thy coming in, from this
whicb is the Menorah.lT He ligbts the Shamos, or reqo time forth and forevermore." Amen.

serudnt candle, and holds it as he sq)s tlte blessing. All.Amen.

Seated listening is all of the 'fo*ib" d.ressed in their (Mrs. Frank puts dou.,n the prayer book and goes to
get the food and taine. Margot helps her. Mr. Frank
best. The men ue*r ltats, Peter wears his cap. takes the rneni hats and puts them aside.)

Mr. Frank (readingfom a prqler book). "Praised be Dussel (rising). That was very moving.
Thou, oh Lord our God, Ruler of the universe,
who has sanctified us with Thy commandments Anne Qulling him back).It isnt over yet!
reeo,and bidden us kindle the Hanukkah lights. Mrs.Van Daan. Sit down! Sit down!
Praised be Thou, oh Lord our God, Ruler of the
universe, who has wrought wondrous deliverances Anne. Theret a lot more, songs and presents.
for our fathers in days of old. Praised be Thou, oh
Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, that Thou Dussel. Presents?
has given us life and sustenance and brought
us to this h"ppy season." (Mr. Frank lights the rzoo Mrs. Frank. Not this year, unfortunately.
one candle of the Menorah as he continues.) "tWe
kindle this Hanukkah light to celebrate the Mrs.Van Daan. But always on Hanukkah
great and wonderful deeds wrought through everyone gives presents . . . everyone!
1670 the zeal with which God filled the hearts of the
heroic Maccabees, two thousand years ago. They Dussel. Like our St. Nicholas' Day.18 (There is
fought against indifference, against tyranny and a cltorus of 'ho's" fiom the group.)
oppression, and they restored our Temple to us. Mrs. Van Daan. No! Not like St. Nicholas!
May these lights remind us that we should ever \7hat kind ofaJew are you that you dont know
look to God, whence cometh our help." Amen. Hanukkah?
[Pronounced O-mayn.]
Mrs. Frank (as she brings thefood.).I remember
All.Amen. particularly the candles . . . First one, as we have
rzro tonight. Then the second night you light rwo
(Mr. Frank hands Mrs. Frank the prayer book.) candles, the next night three . . . and so on until
you have eight candles burning. \7hen there are
Mrs. Frank (reading). "I lift up mine eyes unto eight candles it is truly beautiful.

roso the mountains, from whence cometh my help. Mrs.Van Daan. And the potato pancakes.
My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven
and earth. He will not sufFer thy foot to be moved. Mr.Van Daan. Dont talk about theml
He that keepeth thee will not slumber. He that
keepeth Israel doth neither slumber nor sleep. The Mrs. Van Daan. I make the best latbele you ever
Lord is thy keeper. The Lord is thy shade upon thy
right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, tasted!

Mrs. Frank. Invite us all next year . .. in your own

home.

vzo Mr.Frank. God willing!

Mrs.Van Daan. God willing.

16. Hanukkah(hd'ne-ka):aJewishholiday,celebratedinDecemberandlastingeightdays.
17. Menorah (ma-n6r'e): a candleholder with nine branches, used in the celebration of Hanukkah.
l8.5t.Nicholas'sDay:December6,thedaythatChristianchildrenintheNetherlandsreceivegifts.
19. latkes (liit'kez): potato pancakes.

THE DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: Acr oNE 537

Margot.\il/hat I remember best is the presents Mr. Van Daan. \(hat's she got on her head?
we used to get when we were little . . . eight days
Peter.A lamp shade!
ofpresents . . . and each day they got better and
better. Anne (She picks out one dt random). This is for

Mrs. Frank (sitting down). We are all here, alive. Margot. (She hands it to Margot, pulling ber to
That is present enough. vto ber feet.) Read it out loud.

Anne. No, it isnt. I've got somethi.g . . . Margot (reading).

(She rushes into her room, burriedly puts on a little "You have never lost your temper.
You never will, I fear,
vn ltat improuisedfrom tbe lamp shade, grabs a sarcbel You are so good.
But if you should,
bulging with parcek and comes running bach.) Put all your cross words here."
Mrs. Frank. \What is it?
(She tears open the package.)
Anne. Presents!
A new crossword puzzle bookltMhere did you
Mrs. Van Daan. Presents!
ger it?
Dussel. Lookl

538 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

i750 Anne.It isnt new. Itt one that you've done. (Anne rushes back to her satchelfor dnother

But I rubbed it all out, and if you wait a little fieo present.)
and forget, you can do it all over again.
Anne (handing her mother a piece ofpaper).
Margot (sitting).It's wonderful, Anne. Thank For Mother Hanukkah greeting. (She pulk her
you. You'd never know it wasnt new.
mother to her feet.)
(From outside we hear the sound of a streetcar
passing.) Mrs. Frank (She readl) "Here's an I.O.U. that I

ffi.Anne (with another Mrs. Van Daan. promise to pay. Ten hours of doing whatever you
say. Signed, Anne Frank." (Mrs. Franh touched,
Mrs.Van Daan (takingir). This is awful . . . takes Anne in her arms, holdirug her close.)

I haven't anything for anyone . . . I never Dussel (ra Anne). Ten hours of doing what you're

1760thought... told? Any th ing yoi re told?

Mr. Frank. This is all Anne's idea. raoo Anne. Thatt right.
Mrs. Van Daan (holding up a bottle). \What is it?
Dussel. You wouldn't want to sell that, Mrs.
Anne.Itt hair shampoo. I took all the odds and Frank?
ends of soap and mixed them with the last of my
toilet water. Mrs. Frank. NeverlThis is the most precious gift
I've ever had!

Mrs.Van Daan. Oh, Annekel (She sits, shouting her present to the other* Anne

Anne. I wanted to write a poem for all of them, hurries back to the satchel and pulls out a scarf,
but I didnt have time. (ffiring a large box to the scarf thar Mr. Frank found in the first scene.)
Mr. Van Daan) Yours, Mr. Van Daan, is really
rTzo somethirg . . . something you want more than Anne (ffiring it to herfather). For Pim.

anything. (as she wahs for him to open it) Look! Mr. Frank. Anneke . . . I wasnt supposed to have
1810 a presenlr. (He tahes it, unfolding it and sbowing
Cigarettes!
it to the others,)

Mr. Van Daan. Cigarettes! Anne.It's a muffler . . . to put round your
neck. . . like an ascot, you know. I made it myself
Anne.Two of theml Pim found some old pipe out of odds and ends . . . I knitted it in the dark
tobacco in the pocket lining of his coat . . . and
we made them . . . or rather, Pim did. each night, after I d gone to bed. I'm afraid it

Mrs. Van Daan. Let me see . . . Vell, look at that! looks better in the darkl
Light it, Putti! Light it.
Mr. Frank (puuing it on).It's fine. It fits me
(Mr. Van Daan hesitates.)
perfectly. Thank you, Annele.
rzso Anne.It's tobacco, really it is! There's a little fluff
in it, but not much. (Anne hands Peter a ball ofpaper with a string
fizo attached to it.)

(Eueryone watches intently asMr. Van Daan Anne. That's for Mouschi.
cdutiousb lights it. The cigarexe flares up. Eueryone
Peter (rising to bow). On behalf of Mouschi,
laughs.)
I thank you.

Peter.It works! ffi.Anne (hesitant, handing him a And. . . this

Mrs. Van Daan. Look at him. is yours . . . from Mrs. Quack Quack. (as he holds

Mr.Van Daan (spluttering).Thank you, Anne. it gingerly in his band) \Well . . . oPen it . . . Arent
Thank you.
you going to open it?

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 539

Peter.I'm scared to. I know something's going Anne. To put in your eats so you won't hear
to jump out and hit me'
rsao Anne. No. It's nothing like that, really' -. *h.., I thrash around at night' I saw them
Mrs.Van Daan (as he is openingir)' Y/hat is it'
Peter? Go on. Show it. advertised in a magazine' They're not real
ones . . . I made tlr.,,' o"t of cotton and candle
lnne (excitedly). It's a safety razort' wax. Tly them . . . See if they don't work ' ' '

Dussel.A what? r87o see if you can hear me talk ' ' '
Dussel (ltutting thern in his ear) ' -Wait now until
Anne.A razor!
I get them in . . ' so.
Mrs.Van Daan (looking at it)'You didnt make
that out ofodds and ends' Anne. Are You readY?
Anne (ra Peter). Miep got it for me' It's not new'
It's second-hand. But you really do need a rMor Dussel. Huh?

1840 now. Anne.Are You readY?

Dussel. For what? Dussel. Good GodlTheyve gone inside! I cant
jumps
Anne. Look on his upper lip ' ' ' you can see the g"aebtotuht,etmryinougt\n(TshheayketathuegphluygMs ro'Dutuosf.sheisl
beginning of a mustache' ears'
Dussel. He wants to get rid of that? Put a little
milk on it and let the cat lick it off' Finalty it gio them out. Putting them away')
Peter (startingflr his room) ' Think you're funny'
raso Thank you, Anne! Thank You!
don't you.
Dussel. Look! He cant wait! He's going in to Mr.Van Daan. A real Hanukkah!

try it! Mrs.Van Daan. \7asnt it cute of her? Tbgether
rsto Peter.I'm going to give Mouschi his present! Mrs. Frank. I dont know when she

(He goes iito his room, slamrning the door did it.

behind him.) Margot.I love mY Present'
Mr.Van Daan (disgus*db) Mouschi, Mouschi' Anne (sitting at the table)' And now let's have the
Mouschi. song, Fathei . . . please . . '(to Dussel) Have you
(In the d,istance we hear a dog persistently barking'
Anne brings a g.fi to Dussel') h.rid th. Hanukkah song, Mr' Dussel? The song
Anne.And last but never least, my roommate' is the whole thingl (She sings') "Oh, Hanukkah!
raqo Oh HanukkahlThe sweet celebration ' ' ' "
Mr. Dussel.
Dussel. For me? You have something for me? Mr. Frank (quieting her).L'm afraid, Anne' we
,laeo (He opens the small box she giues him')
shouldnt rirg th"t song tonight' (ra Dussel)
Anne.I made them mYself.
It's a song of jubilation, of rejoicing' One is apt
Dussel (puzzted). Capsules! Two capsules!
to become too enthusiastic'
Anne. They re ear-Plugs!
Anne. Oh, please, please. Let's sing the song'
Dussel. Ear-P1ugs?
I promise not to shout!

Mr. Frank. Very well. But quietly now ' ' ' I'11 keep

an eye on you and when ' ' '

(,4s Anne starts to sing, she is interrupted by Dussel'

,rroo who is snorting and wheezing')

Dussel QtointingtoPetet)' You ' ' ' You! (Peter ls
corningfiom hii bedroom, lstentatizusly holding a
b"lgr";i his coat as if he were bolding his cat' and

540 uNIT 4: THEME AND SYMBoL

dangling Anne's ltresent beforeir.) How many Anne (singing) . " Oh, Hanukkah! Oh, Hanukkah!
The sweet celebration."
times. . .I toldyou. . . Out! Out!
Mr. Frank (rising).I think we should first blow
Mr. Van Daan (going to Perer). \)7hat's rhe matter out the candle . . . then we'll have something for
with you? Havent you any sense? Get that cat out tomorrow night.
of here.
Margot. But, Father, you're supposed to let it
Peter (inno centl). Car?
burn itself out.
rqro Mr. Van Daan. You heard me. Get it out of here!
Mr. Frank. I'm sure that God understands
Peter.I have no cat. (Delighted with his joke, he uio shortages. (before blotaing it out) "Praised be
opens his czat and ?ulls out a bath towel. The group
at the table laugh, enjoying the johe.) Thou, oh Lord our God, who hast sustained us
and permitted us to celebrate this;'oyous festival."
Dussel (still utheezing). k doesn't need to be the
(He is about to blout out the candle when suddenly
cat . . . his clothes are enough . . . when he comes
out of that room . . . there is a craslt of somethingfalling below. They all
freeze in horror, motionless. For a few seconds tltere
Mr. Van Daan. Dont worry. You wont be bothered is complete silence. Mr. Frank slips offhis shoes.
any more. \fe're getting rid of it. The others noiselessly follow his exam?le, Mr. Frank

Dussel.At last you listen to me. (He goes offinto turns out a light near hirn. He motions to Peter
to tarn offthe center lamp. Peter tries to reach it,
nzo his bedroom.) leeo realizes lte cannot and gets up on a chair. Just as he
is touching the lamp he loses his balance. The chair
Mr.Van Daan (calling afier him).I'm not doing goes out/iom under him. Hefalls. The iron lamp
it for you. Thatt all in your mind . . . all of it! shade uashes to the floor. There is a sound offeet
(He starts back to his place at the table.) I'm doing below, running down the stairs.)
it because I'm sick of seeing that cat eat all our
Mr.Van Daan (under his breath). God Almighry!
food. (The only ligbt lefi comes jiom the Hanukhah
candle. Dussel comes /iom his room. Mr. Frank
Peter. Thatt not true! I only give him bones . . . creePs ouer to tlte stairwell and stands listening.
The dog is heard barking exciudly.) Do you hear
scraPs . . . 1e70 anfhing?

Mr. Van Daan. Dont tell me! He gets fatter every Mr. Frank (in a u.thisper). No. I think they've gone.
day! Damn cat looks better than any of us. Out
Mrs.Van Daan. It's the Green Police. Theyve
rsao he goes tonight! found us.

Peter. No! No! Mr. Frank. If they had, they wouldnt have left.
Theyd be up here by now.
Anne. Mr. Van Daan, you can't do that! That's
Peter's cat. Peter loves that cat. Mrs.Van Daan. I know it's the Green Police.
Mrs. Frank (quietl). Anne. They've gone to get help. That's all. They ll be

Peter (to Mr. Van Daan). If he goes, I go. back!

Mr.Van Daan. Go! Go! Mr. Van Daan. Or it may have been the Gestapo,20
uao looking for papers . . .
Mrs.Van Daan. You're not going and the cat's
not going! Now please . . . this is Hanukkah . . .
Hanukkah . . . this is the time to celebrate . . .
rsao -ilFhatt the matter with all of you? Come on,
Anne. Lett have the song.

20.6estapo(ge-st5'po):theNazi secretpoliceforce,knownforitsterrorismandbrutality.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 54"1

Mr. Frank (interrupting). Or a thief, looking for zozo off, so much a head. Go upstairs quick! Get the
moneyl
money.
Mr.Van Daan. Keep stilll
Mrs.Van Daan. \Weve got to do something. . .
Quick! Quick! Before they come back. Mrs.Van Daan (kneeling before him, pleading).
Mr. Van Daan. There isn't anything to do. Just Do you want to be dragged off to a concentration
wait. camp? Are you going to stand there and wait for
them to come up and get you? Do something,
(Mr. Frank holds up his handfor them to be quiet.
He is listening intently. There is comPlete silence I tell you!
as they all strain to hear any sound from below.
Dgo Suddenfit Anne begins to swa!. With a low uy she Mr. Van Daan (pushing her aside). \Will you keep
falls to tbeJloor iru afaint. Mrs. Frank goes to her
quickly sitting beside lter on tbe floor and tahing stillt. (He gles zuer n the stairwell to listen. Perer
her in her arms.)
zrr,0 goes to his mother, helping her up onto the sofa.
Mrs. Frank. Get some water, please! Get some
itTbere is a second of silence, then Anne can starud
water!
no longer.)
(Margot stdrts for the sinh.)
Mr. Van Daan (grabbing Margot). No! No! No Anne. Someone go after Father! Make Father
one's going to run water!
come back!
Mr. Frank. If theyve found us, theyve found us.
zooo Get the water. (Margot starts again for the sink. Peter (startirugfzr the door).I'll go.

Mr. Franh getting a flashlight) I'm going down. Mr.Van Daan. Haven't you done enough?
(Margot rusbes to him, clinging to him. Anne
(He pushesPeter roughly away. In his anger against
strugles to consciousness.) his fatherPeter grabs a chair as if to hit hirn with
it, then puts it dowru, burying his face in his hands.
Margot. No, Father, no! There may be someone zoao Mrs. Frank begins to ?rdy tortb,.)
there, waiting . . . It may be a trap! Anne. Please, please, Mr. Van Daan. Get Father.

Mr. Frank. This is Saturday. There is no way for Mr.Van Daan. Quiet! Quiet!
us to know what has happened until Miep or Mr. (Anne is shocked into silence. Mrs. Frank pwlk her
Kraler comes on Monday morning. \7e cannot closer holding her Prztectiuely in her arrns.)
live with this uncertainty. Mrs. Frank Gtfib profing). "I lift up mine eyes unto
the mountains, from whence cometh my help. My
zoro Margot. Dont go, Father! help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and
earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved . . .
Mrs. Frank. Hush, darling, hush. (Mr. Frank slips
quietly out, down the steps and out through the door He that keepeth thee will not slumber . . ." (She
below.) Margot! Stay close to me.
2050 stops as she hears szmezne coming. They all watch the
(Margot goes to her mother.) door tense ly. Mr. Frank comes quietly in. Anne rushes
to him, holding him tigbt.)
Mr.Van Daan. Shush! Shush!
Mr. Frank. It was a thief. That noise must have
(Mrs. Frank whispers to Margot t0 get the wdter. scared him away.
Margot goes for it.)
Mrs.Van Daan. Putti, where's our money? Get Mrs.Van Daan. Thank God.

our money. I hear you can buy the Green Police Mr. Frank. He took the cash box. And the radio.
He ran away in such a hurry that he didnt stop
to shut the street door. It was swinging wide

ETl I,\IIT /.THEME AND SYMBoL

open. (A breath of relief staeeps ouer them.) I think that they'd come for us. \7e were sure it was the
zooo it would be good to have some light. end. But it wasnt the end. \7e're alive, safe. (Mr.
Van Daan goes to the table and sits. Mr. Frank
Margot.Are you sure itt all right? uoo prays.) "\(/e thank Thee, oh Lord our God, that
in Thy infinite merryThou hast again seen fit
Mr. Frank. The danger has passed. (Margot goes to to spare us." (He blows out the candle, then turns
light the small lamp.) Dont be so terrified, Anne. to Anne.) Come on, Anne. The song! Let's have
\7e're safe. the song! (He starts to sing. Anne finally starts
faberingly to sing as Mr. Frank urges her on. Her
Dussel. \7ho says the danger has passed? Dont uoice is hardly audible at first.)
you rcalize we are in greater danger than ever? Anne (singing). "Oh, Hanukkah! Oh, Hanukkah!

Mr. Frank. Mr. Dussel, will you be still! ."The sweet . . . celebration . . (As she goes on

(Mr. Frank takes Anne bach to the table, making singing, the others gradually join in, tbeir aoices
her sit down with him, trying to calm ber.)
2tro still shakirug uith fear. Mrs. Van Daan sobs as
zozo Dussel Qtointing toPeter). Thanks to this clumsy
fool, there's someone now who knows we're up she sings.)
here! Someone now knows we're up here, hiding!
Group.'Around the feast . . . we . . . gather
Mrs.Van Daan (going ra Dussel). Someone knows In complete . . . jubilation . . .
Happiest of sea. . . sons
we're here, yes. But who is the someone? A thief] Now is here.
A thieflYou think a thief is going to go to the Many are the reasons for good cheer."
Green Police and say . . . I was robbing a place
the other night and I heard a noise up over my (Dussel comes fiom the bedroom. He comes ouer to
head? You think a thief is going to do that? the table, standing beside Margot, listening to them

Dussel. Yes. I think he will. as they sing.)

zoso Mrs.Van Daan (hysterically). You're crazyl zrzo "Together
(She stumbles back to her seat at the table. Peter -We'll weather
follows protectiuely pushing Dussel aside.) tMhatever tomortow may bring."

Dussel.I think some day he'Il be caught and then (As they sing on u.,itb growing courlge, the lights
start to dim.)
he'll make a bargain with the Green Police . . . if
"So hear us rejoicing
they'll let him off he'll tell them where some Jews And merrily voicing
The Hanukkah song that we sing.
are hiding! Hoy!"

(He goes offinto the bedroom. There is a second of (The lights are zut. The curtain starts slou-,ly
zrto to fall.)
appalled silence.)
"Hear us re.ioicing
Mr. Van Daan. He's right.
And merrily voicing
zoso Anne. Father, Iet's get out of here! \7e cant stay The Hanukkah song that we sing."

herenow...Lettgo... (They are still singing, ds tlte curtdin falk.)

Mr. Van Daan. Go! V/here? The Curtairu Falls.

Mrs. Frank (sinking into her chair at the table).
Yes. \7here?

Mr. Frank (rising to them all). Have we lost all
faith? All courage? A moment ago we thought

THE DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: ACT ONE 543

DIARY ENTRY Anne Frank's diary entries give readers an intimate understanding
of what was going through her mind while she was in hiding. This entry from
December r943 describes her conflicting emotions about life in the Annex.

Friday, December 24, 1943

Dear Kitry I

As I ve written you many times before, moods have a tendency to affect us quite I

a bit here, and in my case itt been getting worse lately. "Himmelhoch jauchzend, zu I
I
Tbde betrilbt"r certainly applies to me. I'm "on top of the world" when I think of how I
I
fortunate we are and compare myself to other Jewish children, and "in the depths of
t.
despair" when, for example, Mrs. Kleiman comes by and talks about Jopiet hockey
club, canoe trips, school plays and afternoon teas with friends. 'i.

I dont think I'm jealous of Jopie, but I long to have a really good time for once and *
to laugh so hard it hurts. \7e're stuck in this house like lepers, especially during winter I

and the Christmas and New Yeart holidays. Actually, I shouldnt even be writing this, 4

since it makes me seem so ungrateful, but I can't keep everything to myself, so I'll repeat

what I said at the beginning: "Paper is more patient than people."

V{henever someone comes in from outside, with the wind in their clothes and the

cold on their cheeks, I feel like burying my head under the blankets to keep from

thinking, "'When will we be allowed to breathe fresh air again?" I cant do that-on the

contrary I have to hold my head up high

{*, and put a bold face on things, but the
\ thoughts keep coming annvay. Nor iust

t. once, but over and over.
{i

a Believe me, if youve been shut up

*

z for ayear and a half, it can get to be too

l:,

,.t much for you sometimes. But feelings

t& can't be ignored, no matter how unjust
or ungrateful they seem. I long to ride a

bike, dance, whistle, Iook at the world,

feel young and know that I'm free, and

q. yet I can't let it show. Just imagine what

{:
*
would happen if all eight of us were to
6a.

t feel sorry for ourselves or walk around
(, with the discontent clearly visible on our
&

t' faces. \7here would that get us? . . .

e

I .,gfrin\.€1i:*tp:,tu..**,11p I

, Yours, Anne

1. "Himmelhoch jauchzend,zuTodebetrilbt'1 Afamous linefrom Coethe: "Ontopof theworld,

or in the depths ofdespair."

\44 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBor_

Comprehension i COMMONCORE

1. Recall How do the people in the Annex get food and other supplies? RL2 Determine a theme of a text
and analyze its development,
2. Recall Why do some of the people in the Annex complain about Anne? including its relationship to the
characters, setting, and plot.
3. Clarify Why does Mr. Frank say that the loud air raids should be music RL10 Read and comprehend
to the ears of those hiding in the attic? dramas,

Text Analysis

4. lnterpret a Character's Words What does Anne mean when she writes in her

diary, "Paper is more patient than people"? Cite specific examples from the
play that explain Anne's attitude.

5. Understand Conflicts A conflict in literature Exteraal Conllicts tatu,,ti Coaflicts

is a struggle between two opposing forces.
An externalconflict is a struggle between

or a force of nature. An internalconflict is
a struggle within a character's mind. ln a chart like the one shown, include
the external and internal conflicts you notice so far in the play. Circle the one
or two conflicts you think are the main ones.

6. Identify Subplot A subplot is an additional, or secondary, plot in a work of
literature. The subplot contains its own conflict, often separate from the
main conflicts of the story. What is one subplot that has been introduced

in Act One?

Ot. Analyze Theme "Good triumphs over evil" has been a common theme

in literature. A similar message is a major theme in this Play: people are
basically good at heart. Which characters help to develop that theme? Which

characters, circumstances, or events appear to contradict it?

!8. Analyze a Drama Review the chart in which you've been noting information
about Anne and the Nazi occupation. Based on what you've learned through
dialogue and stage directions, describe Anne's personality. What effect has
the Nazioccupation had on herfamily's life?

Extension and Challenge

9. Readers'Circle Review the diary entry included on page 544. Anne admits

she sometimes feels like burying her head under the blankets. Yet she
holds her head up high and puts a "bold face on things." What impact do
you think her behavior had on those around her? Discuss this question
with a smallgroup.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK 545

In the darkness we ltear Annet Voice, again reading Mr. Frank. Itt Miep! (He goes quickly down the steps

from tbe diary. to unbob the door. Mrs. Fiank calls upstairs to the
Anne's Voice. Saturday, the first of January, Van Daans and tben to Peter.)
nineteen forry-four. Another new year has begun Mrs. Frank. \Wake up, everyone! Miep is here!
and we find ourselves still in our hiding place. (Anne quichfu puts her diary away. Margot sits
\7e have been here now for one year, five months up, pulling the blanket around lter shoulders.
and twenty-five days. It seems that our life is at a Mr. Dussel sits on the edge of bis bed, listening
standstill.
disryntled. Miep comes up the steps, followed by
The curtain rises on tlte scene. It is hte afiernoon. Mr. Kraler. They bringfloruers, books, news?dpers,
rc Eueryone is bundled u? against the cold. In the
5o etc. Anne rusltes to Miep, throwing lter arms
main room Mrs. Frank is tahing down the laundry ffictionately around her.) Miep . . . andMr.
which is hung across tlte bach. Mr. Frank sits in Kraler . . . \What a delightful surprise!
the chair doun lefi, reading. Margot is lying on the
couch taith a blanket ouer lter and the many-colored Mr. Kraler. \7e came to bring you New Year's
knitted scarf around her throat. Anne is seated at
the center table, writing in her diary, Peter, Mr. and greerings.
Mrs. Van Daan, andDussel are all in their outn
rooms, reading or lying doutn. Mrs. Frank. You shouldn't . . . you should have
at least one day to yourselves. (She goes quickly
As the ligbts dim on, Anne'sYoice continues, to the stlue and brings doutn teacups and teafor
zo without a breah. all of them.)

Anne's Voice. \(/e are all a little thinner. The Van Anne. Don't say that, it's so wonderful to see them!
Daans' "discussions" are as violent as ever. Mother eo (snffing atMiep's coat) I can smell the wind and
still does not understand me. But then I dont
understand her either. There is one great change, the cold on your clothes.
however. A change in myself. I read somewhere
that girls of my age don't feel quite certain of Miep Qiuing her the flowers). There you are.
themselves. That they become quiet within and (then to Margot, feeling her forehead) How are you,
begin to think of the miracle that is taking place Margot? . . . Feeling any better?
in their bodies. I think that what is happening
30 to me is so wonderful . . . not only what can be Margot.I'm all right.
seen, but what is taking place inside. Each time it
has happened I have a feeling that I have a sweet Anne. \7e filled her full of every kind of pill so she

secret. (We hear the chimes and then a hymn being won't cough and make a noise. (She runs into her

played on the carillon outsid.e.) And in spite of any rozm to put the flowers in utater. Mr andMrs. Van
pain, I long for the time when I shall feel that
secret within me again. Daan come from upstairs. Outside there is tbe sound
ru of a band playing.)
(The buzzer of tbe door below suddenly sounds.
Mrs. Van Daan. \Well, hello, Miep. Mr. Kraler.
Eueryone is startled, Mr. Frank tiptoes cautiousb
to the to? of the steps and listens. Again the buzzer Mr. Kraler (giuing a bouquet offlowers ra Mrs. Van
4o s ounds, in Miep's V-for-Victory s ignal.) Daan). \With my hope for peace in the New Year.

Peter (anxiously). Miep, have you seen Mouschi?
Have you seen him anywhere around?

Miep.I'm sorry, Peter. I asked everyone in the
neighborhood had they seen a gray cat. But they

said no.

(Mrs. Frank giues Miep a cup of tea. Mr. Frank

80 comes up the stelts, carrying a small cake on a plate.)

Mr. Frank. Look what Miepk brought for us!

Mrs. Frank (taking it). A cake!



Mr. Van Daan. A cake! (He pinches Miep's cheehs Mrs.Van Daan (goingra Dussel). \7hat
gaily and hurries up to the cupboard.) I'll get some are you trying to say?

plates. Mr.Van Daan. Oh, come on! Stop
wasting time!
(Dussel in ltis room, hastily pux a czat on and 1,n,,*
starts out to join the others.)
Mrs.Van Daan (to Dussel). Dont I always give
Mrs. Frank. Thank you, Miepia. You shouldnt everybody exacdy the same? Dont I?
have done it. You must have used all of your sugar
e0 ration for weeks. (giuing it to Mrs. Van Daan) Mr.Van Daan. Forget it, Kerli.
It's beautiful, isnt it?
rao Mrs.Van Daan. No. I want an answer! Dont I?
Mrs. Van Daan. Itt been ages since I even saw
Dussel.Yes. Yes. Everybody gets exactly the
a cake. Not since you brought us one last year.
(utithout looking at the cabe, to Miep) Remember? same . . . except Mr. Van Daan always gets a little
Dont you remember, you gave us one on New bit more.

Year's Day? Just this time last year? I'[ never forget (Mr. Van Daan aduances on Dussel, the knife still
in his hand.)
it because you had "Peace in nineteen forty-three"
on it. (She loohs at the cake and reads.) "Peace in Mr.Van Daan. Thatt a lie!
nineteen forty-four!"
(Dussel retedts before the onslaught of the Yan
roo Miep. \Well, it has to come sometime, you know.
(as Dussel comes from his room) Hello, Mr. Dussel. Daans.)
Mr. Kraler. How are you?
Mr. Frank. Please, please! (tben to Miep) You see
rao what a little sugar cake does to us? It goes right to

our heads!

Mr. Van Daan (bringing plates and a bnife). Heret Mr.Van Daan (handingMrs. Frank the knife).
the knife, liefie. Now, how many of us are there? Here you are, Mrs. Frank.

Miep. None for me, thank you. Mrs. Frank. Thank you. (then toMiep as sbe goes
to the table to cut the cahe) Are you sure you won't
Mr. Frank. Oh, please. You must.
have some?
Miep.I couldnt.
Miep (drinking her tea).No, really, I have to go
Mr. Van Daan. Goodl That leaves one . . . two . . . in a minute.
three...sevenofus.
(The sound of the bandfades out in the distance.)
rro Dussel. Eight! Eight! Itt the same number as it
r:o Peter (ro Miep). Maybe Mouschi went back to our
always is! house . . . they say that cats . . . Do you ever get
over there. . . ? I mean . . . do you suppose you
Mr. Van Daan. I left Margor our. I take it for could. . . ?
granted Margot wont eat any.

Anne.\Mhy wouldnt she! Miep.I'll try Peter. The first minute I get I'll try.
But I'm afraid, with him gone a week . . .
Mrs. Frank. I think it wont harm her.

Mr.Van Daan. Ail rightlAll right! I just didnt want Dussel. Make up your mind, abeady someone has
had a nice big dinner from that cat!
her to start coughing again, that's all.

Dussel.And please, Mrs. Frank should cut the cake. (Peter is furious, inarticulate. He starts toward
Dussel as tf to hit him. Mr. Frank stops him,
Mr.Van Daan. \Whatt the difference? )
roo Mrs. Frank speaks quickly t0 ease the situation.)
rzo Mrs.Van Daan. It's not Mrs. Frank's lTbgether
us.cake, is it, Miep? It's for all of
l Mrs. Frank (ra Miep). This is delicious, Miep!

Dussel. Mrs. Frank divides things better. Mrs. Van Daan (eating /ars). Delicious!

?^o r,\rrr /! THEME AND SYMBOL

Mr. Van Daan (finishing it in ore gulp).Dirkt in such desperate need of clothing . . . (He giues the
luck to get a girl who can bake like thisl coat to Miep.) So if you will please to sell it for us?
It should fetch a good price. And by the way, will
Miep (putting down her empty teacup).I have to
run. Dirk's taking me to a pafiy tonight. you get me cigarettes. I dont care what kind they

Anne. How heavenly! Remember now what are . . . get all you can.
everyone is wearing, and what you have to eat
and everything, so you can tell us tomorrow. Miep.It! terribly difficult to get them, Mr. Van
zro Daan. But I'll try. Good-bye.
rzo Miep.I'll give you a full report! Good-bye, everyone!
(She goes. MnFrankfollows her down tbe steps to
Mr.Van Daan (to Miep).Just a minute. There's
something I d like you to do for me. (He hurries boh the door afier her. Mrl Frank giues Mr. Kraler
offup the stairs to his room.)
a cup of tea.)
Mrs.Van Daan (sharpb).Putti, where are you
going? (She rushes up the stairs afier him, calling Mrs. Frank. Are you sure you worit have some
hysurically.) -X/hat do you want? Putti, what are cake, Mr. Blraler?
you going to do?
Mr. Kraler. I d better not.
Miep (ra Peter). \7hat's wrong? Mr. Van Daan. You're still feeling badly? t{/hat does
your doctor say?
Peter (his sym?ath! is utith his mother). Father says
rao het going to sell her fur coat. Shet crazy about Mr. Kraler. I havent been to him.

that old fur coat. zzo Mrs.Frank. Now, Mr. Kraler! . . .

Dussel.Is it possible? Is it possible that anyone Mr. Kraler (sitting at the table). Oh, I tried. But
is so silly as to worry about a fur coat in times
you can't get near a doctor these days . . . they're
like this?
so busy. After weeks I finally managed to get
Peter.Itt none of your darn business . . . and if one on the telephone. I told him I d like an
appointment . . . I wasn't feeling very well. You
you say one more thing . . . I'11, I'll take you and
I'11.. . I meanit. . . I'11. . . know what he answers . . . over the telephone . . .
Stick out your tongue! (They kugh. He turns to
(There is a piercing screamfom Mrs. Van Daan
Mr. Frank as Mr. Frank comes back.) I have some
aboue. She grabs at the fur cod.t as Mr. Van Daan contracts here . . . I wonder if youd look over
230 them with me . . .
tto is starting downstairs with it.)
Mr. Frank (putting out his hand). Of course.
Mrs.Van Daan. No! No! No! Dont you dare take
that! You hear? it's minel (Downstairs Peter turns Mr. Kraler (He rises.) If we could go downstairs . . .
auay, ennbarrassed, miserable.) My father gaYe me (Mr. Frank starts ahead, Mr. Kraler speaks to the
thatlYou didn't give it to me. You have no right.
others.) Vill you forgive us? I wont keep him but
Let go ofit. . . you hear?
a minute. (He starts to follow Mr. Frank dou.,n
(Mr. Van Daan pulls the coatfrom her hands and
hurries downstairs. Mrs. Van Daan sinks to the floor, the stePs.)

sobbing. As Ml Van Daan comes into the main Margot (w ith sudden.foreboding). \fhat's happened?
Somethingt happened! Hasnt it, Mr. Kraler?
room tlte others loob away, embanassed for him.)
(Mr. Kraler stops and comes back, trying to redssure
zoo Mr. Van Daan (to Mr. Kraler). Just a little- z+o Margot with a pretense of casualness.)

discussion over the advisabiliry of selling this coat. Mr. Kraler. No, really. I want your father's
As I have often reminded Mrs. Van Daan, it's very advice . . .
selfish of her to keep it when people outside are in
Margot. Something's gone wrong! I know itl

THE DIARY oF ANNE FRANK: ACT Two 549

Mr. Frank (coming back, to Mr. ISaler). If it's Dussel (frantic). For Godt sake dont fire him!
Pay him what he asks . . . keep him here where
something that concerns us here, it's better that you can have your eye on him.
we all hear it.
Mr. Frank. Is it so much that he's asking? \7hat are
Mr. Kraler (turning to him, quietl).But . . . the
children...? they paying nowadays?

Mr. Frank.lVhat theyd imagine would be worse zqo Mr. Kraler. He could get it in a war plant. But this
250 than any realiry. isn't a war plant. Mind you, I dont know if he
really knows . . . or if he doesnt know.
(As Mr. Kraler speaks, they all listen u.,ith intense
awrebension Mrs. Van Daan comes down tlte Mr. Frank. Offer him half. Then we'll soon find
out if it's blackmail or not.
stairs and sits on the bottznx ste?.)
Dusse!.And if it is? \7eve got to pay it, haven't we?
Mr. Kraler. It's a man in the storeroom . . . I dont Anything he asks we've got to pay!
know whether or not you remember him . . . Carl,
about fifty, heavy-set, near-sighted . . . He came Mr. Frank. Let's decide that when the time comes.
with us just before you left.
Mr. Kraler. This may be all my imagination.
Mr. Frank. He was from Utrecht? You get to a point, these days, where you suspect
300 everyone and everything. Again and again . . . on
Mr. Kralet That's the man. A couple ofweeks ago, some simple look or word, I ve found myself . . .
zoo when I was in the storeroom, he closed the door
(The telephone rings in the ffice below.)
and asked me . . . how's Mr. Frank? -X/hat do you Mrs. Van Daan (hurrying to Mr. Kraler). There's the
hear from Mr. Frank? I told him I only knew there telephone!\(hat does that mean, the telephone
was a rumor that you were in Switzerland. He said
he'd heard that rumor too, but he thought I might ringing on a holiday?
know something more. I didnt pay arry attention
to it . . . but then a thing happened yesterday . . . Mr. Kraler. That's my wife. I told her I had to go
Hed brought some invoices to the office for me to
sign. As I was going through them, I looked up. over some papers in my office . . . to call me there
He was standing staring at the bookcase . . . your
zzo bookcase. He said he thought he remembered a when she got out of church. (He starts out.) I'll
door there . . . \7asnt there a door there that used
to go up to the loft? Then he told me he wanted offer him half then. Good-bye . . . we'll hope for
more money. Twenty guildersl more a week. .aro the best!

Mr. Van Daan. Blackmail! (The group call their good-byes half-hearudly.

Mr. Frank. Twenry guilders? Very modest blackmail. Mr. Frankp llouts Mr. Kraler, to bob the door
below. During the following scene, Mr. Frank comes
Mr. Van Daan. That's just the beginning. back up and stands listening disturbed.)

Dussel (coming to Mr. Frank). You know what I Dussel (to Mr. Van Daan). You can thank your son

think? He was the thief who was down there that for this . . . smashing the light! I tell you, itt just

night. Thatt how he knows we're here. a question of time now. (He goes to tlte windoru at

zao Mr. Frank (to Mr. Kraler). How was it left? the bacb and stands looking out.)
\fhat did you tell him?
Margot. Sometimes I wish the end would come
Mr. Kraler. I said I had to think about it. \7hat 320...whateveritis.
shall I do? Pay him the money? . . . Take a chance
on firing him . . . or what? I dont know. Mrs. Frank (shocked). Margot!

(Anne goes to Margot, sitting beside her on the couch
with her arms around her.)

Margot. Then at least we'd know where we were.

l. guilders (gil'derz): the basic monetary unit of the Netherlands at the time'

-FA ra\rrr r. TIJF.ME AND SYMBOL

Mrs. Frank. You should be ashamed of yourselfl Peter.I thought you were fine just now. You know
Talking that way!Think how lucky we are!Think just how to talk to them. You know just how to say
of the thousands dying in the war, every day.
Think of the people in concentration camps. it. Im no good . . . I never can think. . . especially
Anne (interrupting). \What's the good of that?
a:o \(/hat's the good of thinking of misery when when I'm mad. . . That Dussel . . . when he said
that about Mouschi . . . someone eatinghim . . . all
you're already miserable? Thatt stupidl 170 I could think is . . . I wanted to hit him. I wanted
to give him such a. . . a. . . thathed. . .Thatt
Mrs. Frank. Anne! what I used to do when there was an argument at
school . . . Thatt thewayl . . . but here . . . And an
(,4s Anne goes on raging at her mother, Mrs. Frank old man like that . . . it wouldnt be so good.

tries to break in, in an ffirt to quiet her.) Anne.You're making a big mistake about me. I do
it all wrong. I say too much. I go too far. I hurt
Anne. \7e're young, Margot and Peter and I! people'sfeelings...
You grownups have had your chance! But look
at us . . . If we begin thinking of all the horror in (Dussel leaues the windou, going to his room.)
the world, we're lostl\7e're trying to hold onto
some kind of ideals . . . when everything . . .
:+o ideals, hopes . . . everphing, are being destroyed!
It isnt our fault that the world is in such a mess!
\7e werent around when all this started! So dont
try to take it out on us!

(She rushes offto her room, slAmming the door afier
her. She picbs up a brush fiom the chest and hurls
it to the floor. Then she sits on tlte settee, tryting t0
control her anger.)

Mr.Van Daan. She talks as if we started the warl
Did we start the war? (He spots Anne\ cake. As he
350 stdrts to take it, Peter anticipates him.)

Peter. She left her cake. (He starts for Anne\ room
uith the cake. There is silence in the main room.

Mrs. Van Daan goes up to her room, followed by
Van Daan. Dussel stays looking out the ruindow.

Mr. Frank brings Mrs. Frank her cake. She eats it

slowly without relish. Mr. Frank takes his cake to
Margot and sits quietly on the sofa beside her. Peter
stands in the doorway of Annei darkened room,
looking dt her, then makes a little mouement to let
xo lter knout he is there. Anne sits up, quickly, trying to
hide tbe signs of her tears. Peter holds out the cake to
her.)You left this.

anne (dully). Thanks.

(Peter stdrts to go zut, then comes back.)

Peter.I think you're just fine . . . \Mhat I want to +zo really intimate with anyone if he holds something
380 say . . . if it wasnt for you around here, I don't
back, do you?
know. -Vhat I mean. . .
Peter. I think your fathert fine.
(Peter is interrupted Ey DusselS turning on the light.
Dussel stands in the doorutay, stdrtled to seePeter. Anne. Oh, he is, Peter! He is! He's the only one
Peter aduances toward hirn forbiddingly. Dussel backs who's ever given me the feeling that I have any
out of the roonn. Peter closes the door on hirn.)
sense. But anyray, nothing can take the place of
Anne. Do you mean it, Peter? Do you really mean it?
school and play and friends of your own age . . .
Peter.I said it, didn't I? or near your age . . . can it?

Anne. Thank you, Peter! Peter.I suppose you miss your friends and all.

(In the main roomMr. andMrs. Frank collect the Anne.It isnt just . . . (She breahs ofi staring up
yo dishes and take them to the sink, washing them. qo at him for a second.) Isnt it funny, you and I?

Margot lies doun agdin 0n the couch, Dussel, /asr, Here weve been seeing each other every minute
wanders into Peteri room and takes up a boob,
stdrting to read.) for almost ayeil and a half, and this is the first
time we've ever really talked. It helps a lot to have
Peter (looking dt the photograpbs on the wall). someone to talk to, don't you think? It helps you
Youve got quite a collection. to let off steam.

Anne.'W.ouldn't you like some in your room? Peter (going to the door). \7ell, any time you want
to let off steam, you can come into my room.
i could give you some. Heaven knows you spend
enough time in there . . . doing heaven knows Anne \follouting him).I can get up an awful lot of
what. . .
steam. You'll have to be careful how you say that.
+oo Peter.Itt easier. A fight starts, or an argument . . .
I duck in there. +ao Peter.Itt all right with me.

Anne. You're lucky, having a room to go to. Anne. Do you mean it?
His lordship is always here . . . I hardly ever get a
minute alone. tVhen they start in on me, I cant Peter.I said it, didnt I?
duck away. I have to stand there and take it.
(He goes out. Anne stands in her doorutay looking
Peter. You gave some of it back just now. afier him. As Peter gets to his door he stands for a
minute looking back at her. Then lte goes into bis
Anne.I get so mad. Theyve formed their room. Dussel rises as lte comes in, and quichly passes
opinions . . . about everything. . . butwe . . . him, going out. He starts across for his room. Anne
we're still trying to find out . . . \7e have problems sees ltim coming, and pulls her door shut. Dussel
<to here that no other people our age have ever turns back toward Peter! room. Peter pulk his door
had. And just as you think you've solved them, qso shut. Dussel stands there, bewildered, forlorn.
something comes along and bangl You have to
start all over again. The scene slowly dims out. The curtain falk on the
scene. Anne's Voice comes zuer in the darhness . . .
Peter. At least you've got someone you can talk to. faintly at first, and then uith grouting strength.)

Anne. Not really. Mother . . . I never discuss Anne's Voice. \Weve had bad news. The people
from whom Miep got our ration books have been
anphing serious with her. She doesnt understand. arrested. So we have had to cut down on our food.
Fathert all right. \7e can talk about everything. . . Our stomachs are so empty that they rumble and
everything but one thing. Mother. He simply make strange noises, all in different keys. Mr. Van
wont talk about her. I dont think you can be Daan's is deep and low, like a bass fiddle. Mine is
<oo high, whistling like a flute. As we all sit around

552 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

waiting for supper, itt like an orchesffa tuning In the main room Dussel can stand it no longer.

up. It only needs Toscanini2 to raise his baton and He comes oaer, rd.?ping sharply on tbe door of his and
we'd be off in the Ride of the Valkyries.3 Monday,
the sixth of March, nineteen forry-four. Mr. Kraler too Anne i bedroom.
is in the hospital. It seems he has ulcers. Pim says Anne (calling to him). No, no, Mr. Dussel! I am
we are his ulcers. Miep has to run the business
not dressed yet. (Dussel walks away, furious, sitting
and us too. The Americans have landed on the dorun and burying his head in his hands. Anne turns
southern tip of ltaly. Father looks for a quick to Margot.) How is that? How does that look?
finish to the war. Mr. Dussel is waiting every day
4to for the warehouse man to demand more money. Margot (glancing at her briefl). Fine.

Have I been skipping too much from one subject Anne. You didnt even look.
to another? I cant help it. I feel that spring is
coming. I feel it in my whole body and soul. I feel Margot. Of course I did. Itt fine.
utterly confused. I am longing . . . so longing. . .
for everything . . . for friends . . . for someone Anne. Margot, tell me, am I terribly ugly?
to talk to . . . someone who understands . . .
someone young, who feels as I do . . . Margot. Oh, stop fishing.

(As these last lines are being said, the curtain rises on Iro Anne. No. No. Tell me.
tlte scene. The lighx dim on. Annet Yoicefadzs out.)
Margot. Of course you're not. Youve got nice
480 It is euening, afier supper. From outside we hear eyes . . . and alot ofanimation, and. . .

the sound of children playing. The "grownups," with Anne.A little vague, arent you?
tbe exception ofMr. Van Daan, are all in the main
room. Mrs. Frank is d.oing some mending, Mrs. Van (She reaches ouer and tahes a brassibre out of
Daan is reading a fasbion magazine. Mr. Frank zs Margot i sewing basbet. Sbe holds it up to herself,
going ouer business Accounts, Dussel, in his dentist's studying the ffict in the rnirror. Outside, Mrs.
jacket, is pacing up and down, impatient t0 get into Frank, feeling sorrylr Dussel, comes ouer, knocking
his bedroom. Mr. Van Daan is upstairs utorbing on
d piece of embroidery in an embroidery fiame. at the girls'door.)

In his room Peter is sining before the minor Mrs. Frank (outside). May I come in?

490 smoothing his hair. As the scene goes on, he puts on his 520 Margot. Come in, Mother.
tie, brushes his coat and puts it on, preparing bimself
meticulously for a uisitfrorn Anne. On his wall are Mrs. Frank (shutting the door behind her).
now hung some of Anne's motion ?icture sthrs.
In her room Anne too is getting dressed. She stands Mr. Dusselt impatient to get in here.
before the mirror in her slip, trying uarious tuays
of drasing her hair. Margot is seated on the sofa, Anne(stilltaith the brassiire). Heavens, he takes
the room for himself the entire day.
hemming a skirt for Anne to ta€d.r. Mrs. Frank (Sr"tb). Anne, dear, you're not going
in again tonight to see Peter?

Anne (dignifi.ed).That is my intention.

Mrs. Frank. But youve already spent a great deal
of time in there today.

::o Anne.I was in there exactly twice. Once to get
the dictionary, and then three-quarters of an hour
before supper.

Mrs. Frank. Arent you afraid youie disturbing him?

Anne. Mother, I have some intuition.

2. Toscanini(t6s'ke-n6'ne):ArturoToscanini,afamousltalianorchestralconductor.

3. Ride of the Valkyries (vEl-kir'52): a moving passage from an opera by Richard Wagner, a German

composer.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT Tw'O 553

Mrs. Frank. Then may I ask you this much, Anne. shakes her head.) I know if it were me, IU be wild.
Please dont shut the door when you go in. I'd be desperately jealous, if it were me.

Anne.You sound like Mrs. Van Daan! (She throws Margot.\7el[, I'm not.
the brassiire back in Margot's sewing basket and
Anne. You don't feel badly? Really? Tluly?
picks up her blouse, putting it on.) You're not jealous?

i<o Mrs. Frank. No. No. I dont mean to suggest :ao Margot. Of course I'm jealous . . . jealous that
anything wrong. I only wish that you wouldnt you've got something to get up in the morning
expose yourself to criticism . . . that you wouldnt for . . . But jealous of you and Peter? No.
give Mrs. Van Daan the opportunity to be
(Anne goes bach to the mirror.)
unpleasant.
Anne. Maybe theret nothing to be jealous of.
Anne. Mrs. Van Daan doesnt need an opportunity Maybe he doesnt really like me. Maybe I'm just
to be unpleasant! taking the place of his cat . . . (She picks up a pair
of short uthite gloues, putting thent on.) \Touldn't
Mrs. Frank. Everyone's on edge, worried about you like to come in with us?
Mr. Kraler. This is one more thing . . .
Margot.I have a book.
Anne.I'm sorry Mother. I'm going to Petert
i50 room. I'm not going to let Petronella Van Daan sso (The sound of the children playing outside fades

spoil our friendship. out. In the main room Dussel can stand it no

(Mrs. Frank hesitates for a second, tben goes out, longer. He jumps up, going to tbe bedroom door
closing the door afier her. She gets a pach ofplaying and knoching sharply,)
cards and sits at the center table, playing solitaire.
In Anne's roomMargot hands thefinished skirt to Dussel.Vill you please let me in my room!
Anne. As Anne is putting it on, Margot tahes offher
Anne.Just a minute, dear, dear Mr. Dussel. (S/e
high-heeled shoes ind stifi ?aper ln ihe tor, ,o ihnt
picks up her Motheri pinb stole and adjusts it
Anne can wear thern.)
elegantfu ouer lter sboulders, then giues a last looh
Margot (ro Anne). 'Mhy don't you two talk in the
in the mirror.) \Well, here I go . . . to run the
:eo main room? It'd save a lot of trouble. Itt hard on
gaundet.4 (She starts out, followed by Margot.)
Mother, having to listen to those remarks from eoo Dussel (as she ap?ears-sarcdstic). Thankyou
Mrs. Van Daan and not say a word.
so much.
Anne. \Mhy doesn't she say a word? I think itt
(Dussel goes into his room. Anne goes toward PeterS
ridiculous to take it and take it. room, passing Mrs. Van Daan and her parents at the
center table.)
Margot. You don't understand Mother at all,
do you? She can't talk back. She's not like you. Mrs.Van Daan. My God, look at her! (Anne pays no
It's just not in her nature to fight back. dttention. She knocks atPeteri door.) I dont know
what good it is to have a son. I never see him. He
Anne.Any.way . . . the only one I worry about is wouldnt care if I killed myself (Peter opens the d00r
you. I feel awfully guilty about you. and stands aside for Anne to czme in.) Just a minute,
oro Anne. (She goes to them at the door.) I d like to say
szo (She sits on the stoolnearMargot, ?utting on a few words to my son. Do you mind? (Peter and
Margot 3 high-heeled shoes.) Anne stand waiting.) Peter, I dont want you sraying
up dll all hours tonight. Youve got to have your
Margot.\X4rat about? sleep. You're a growing boy. You hear?

Anne. I mean, every time I go into Petert room,
I have a feeling I may be hurting you. (Margot

4. to run the gauntlet:to endure a series of troubles ordifficulties.
554 UNIT 4: THEME AND SYMBOL

Mrs. Frank. Anne wont stay late. She's going to all been playrng ping-pong . . . \7e used to have
bed promptly at nine. Arent you, Anne? heavenly times . . . we'd finish up with ice cream
at the Delphi, or the Oasis, where Jews were
Anne.Yes, Mother . . . (to Mrs. Van Daan) allowed . . . there'd always be a lot of boys . . .
May we go now? eeo we'd laugh and joke . . . I d like to go back to it for
a few days or a week. But after that I know I'd be
Mrs. Van Daan. Are you asking me? I didnt know bored to death. I think more seriously about life
ezo I had anything to say about it. now. I want to be a journalist . . . or something.
I love to write. \iX/hat do you want to do?
Mrs. Frank. Listen for the chimes, Anne dear.
Peter.I thought I might go off some place . . .
(The two young?eople go offintoPeter's room, work on a farm or something . . . some job that
shutting tbe door arter them.)
doesn't take much brains.
Mrs.Van Daan (to Mrs. Frank). In my day it was
the boys who called on the girls. Not the girls on Anne.You shouldnt talk that way. You've got the
most awful inferiority complex.
the boys.
ozo Peter. I know I'm not smart.
Mrs. Frank. You know how young people like to
feel that they have secrets. Peter's room is the only Anne. That isnt true. You're much better than I
place where they can talk. am in dozens of things . . . arithmetic and algebra
and . . . well, you're a million times better than
e:o Mrs. Van Daan. Talk! That's not what they called it I am in algebra. (with sudden directnes) You like
Margot, dont you? fught from the start you liked
when I was young. her, liked her much better than me.

(Mrs. Van Daan goes offto the bathroom. Margot Peter (uncomfortabl). Oh, I don't know.
settles down to read her book. Mn Frank puts his (In the main room Mrs. Van Daan comes from
pdpers ataay and brings a chess game to the center the bathroom and goes ouer to the sink, polishing
table. He andMrs. Frank start to ?lqt. InPeter's eao a cffie pot.)
room, Anne speaks to Peter, indignant, huruiliated.)
Anne.It's all right. Everyone feels that way.
Anne.Aren't they awful? Arent they impossible? Margott so good. Shet sweet and bright and
teating us as if we were still in the nursery. beautiful and I'm not.

(She si.ts on tl)e cot. Perer gets a bottle ofpop and Peter. i wouldn't say that.
640 tuo glasses.) Anne. Oh, no, I'm not. I know that. I know quite
well that I'm not a beauty. I never have been and
Peter. Dont let it bother you. It doesnt bother me.
never shall be.
Anne.I suppose you cant really blame them . . .
they think back to what they were like at our age. Peter.I don't agree at all. I think you're pretty.
They dont reahze how much more advanced
we are . . . \When you think what wonderful Anne. That's not true!
discussions we ve had! . . . Oh, I forgot. I was
going to bring you some more pictures. olo Peter.And another thing. You've changed . . . from
at first, I mean.
Peter. Oh, these are fine, thanks.
Anne. I have?
Anne. Dont you want some more? Miep just
a:o brought me some new ones. Peter.I used to think you were awful noisy.

Peter. Maybe later. (He giues her a glas ofpop and, Anne. And what do you think now, Peter?
taking some for himself, sits down facing her.) How have I changed?
Anne (looking up dt one of the photograPhs).
I remember when I got that . . . I won it. I bet Peter.\Well . . . er . . . you're . . . quieter.

Jopie that I could eat five ice-cream cones. \7e'd

THE DrARy oF ANNE FRANK: ACT Two 555

(In his room Dussel takes his pajamas and toilet Peter.I wouldnt say so.
articles and goes into the bathroom to change.)
Anne.I know almost for certain that Margot
Anne.I'm glad you dont just hate me. zao would never kiss anyone unless she was engaged
zoo Peter. I never said that.
to them. And I'm sure too that Mother never
Anne.l bet when you get out of here you'll never
think of me again. touched a man before Pim. But I dont know. . .

Peter. That's crazy. things are so different now . . . \X/hat do you
Anne. tWhen you get back with all of your friends, think? Do you think a girl shouldnt kiss anyone
youre going to say . . . now what did I ever see in except if shet engaged or something? It's so hard
that Mrs. Quack Quack. to try to think what to do, when here we are with
Peter.I havent gotarry friends. the whole world falling around our ears and you

Anne. Oh, Peter, of course you have. Everyone think. . . well . . . you dont know what's going to

has friends. happen tomorrow and . . . \Mhat do you think?

zro Peter. Not me. I dont want any. I get along all z;o Peter.I suppose itU depend on the girl. Some girls,
anything they do's wrong. But others . . . well . . .
right without them. it wouldnt necessarily be wrong with them. (The
carillon starts to strike nine o'chck.) I've always
Anne. Does that mean you can get along without thought that when rwo people . . .
me? I think of myself as your friend.
Peter. No. If they were all like you, it d be Anne. Nine o'clock. I have to go.
different.
Peter. That's right.
(He tahes the glasses and the bottle and puts tltern
away. There is a secondi silence and then Anne Anne (without mouing). Good night.
speaks, hesitantly shyly)
(There is a second's pause, tbenPeter gets up and
Anne. Peter, did you ever kiss a girl? moaes toward tbe door.)

zzo Peter. Yes. Once. zeo Peter. You won't let them stop you coming?

Anne (ra couer herfeelings).That picture's crooked. Anne. No. (S/e rises and starts for the door.)
(Peter goes oaer, straightening the photograph.) Sometime I might bring my diary. There are so
\Mas she pretry? many things in it that I want to talk over with
you. Theret a lot about you.
Peter. Huh?
Peter.\Mhat kind of things?
Anne. The girl that you kissed.
Peter.I dorit know. I was blindfolded. (He comes Anne. I wouldnt want you to see some of it.
I thought you were a nothing, just the way you
back and sits d.own again.) It was at a party. One of thought about me.

those kissing games. Peter. Did you change your mind, the way I
zzo changed my mind about you?
Anne (relieued). Oh. I don't suppose that really
Anne.'Well . . . You'll see . . .
730 counts, does it?
(For a second Anne stands loohing u? dtPeter,
Peter.It didnt with me. longingfor him to kiss her. As he mahes no moue she
turns dwd)/. Then suddenlyPeter grabs her awkwardly
Anne.I ve been kissed twice. Once a man I'd in his arms, kissing her on the cheek. Anne walks out
never seen before kissed me on the cheek when dazed. She stands for d minute, her bacb to tbe people
he picked me up off the ice and I was crying. And in the main room. As she regains her poise she goes to
the other was Mr. Koophuis, a friend of Father's her mother andfather andMargot, silently kissing
who kissed my hand. You wouldnt say those them. They murntur their good nights to her.,4s she
counted, would you?

556 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL

fto is about t0 open her bedroom door she catches sight of bearable to have someone with whom you can
exchange views. No more tonight. PS. . . . I must
Mrs. Van Daan. She goes quickly to hea taking her be honest. I must confess that I actually live for the
next meeting. Is there anl"thing lovelier than to sit
face in her hands and kissing her frst on one cheek under the slcylight and feel the sun on your cheeks
and have a darling boy in your arms? I admit now
and then on tlte other. Then she hurries offinto her that I'm glad the Van Daans had a son and not a
room. Mrs. Van Daan loohs afier her and then looks sro daughter. I've outgrown another dress. Thatt the
ouer at Peterl room. Her susp'icions are confirmed..) third. I m having to wear Margot's clothes after
all. I'm working hard on my French and am now
Mrs.Van Daan (She knows.) Ah hahl reading La Belle Niuernaise.
(,4s she is saying tbe last lines-the curtain rises on the
(The lights dim out. The curtain falls on the scene. scene. Tbe lights dim on, ds Anne'sYoice fades out.)
In the darkness Annet Yoice cornes faintly at first
and then with growing snength,) h is night, a few weeks later Eueryone is in bed.
There is cornplete quiet. In theYanDaans'room a
zeo Anne's Voice. By this time we all know each other match flares u? for A moment and then is quickly put
so well that if anyone starts to tell a story, the rest zut. Mr. Van Daan, in bare feet, dressed in underwear
can finish it for him. \7e're having to cut down
azo and trousers, is dimly seen comirug steahhily down the
still further on our meals. Vhat makes it worse, stairs and into the main room, wltereMr. andMrs.

the rats have been at work again. Theyve carried
off some of our precious food. Even Mr. Dussel
wishes now that Mouschi was here. Thursday, the
rwentieth of Ap ril, nineteen forty-fo ur. Invasio n
fever is mounting every day. Miep tells us that
people outside talk of nothing else. For myself,
soo life has become much more pleasant. I often go to
Peter's room after supper. Oh, dont think I m in
love, because I'm not. But it does make life more

Frank andMargot are sleeping. He goes to the food Mrs. Frank.'We're all of us hungry! I see the children
safe and again lights a rnatch. Then he cauiously getting thinner and thinner. Your own son Peter . . .
opens the safe, taking out a half-loaf of bread. As he aeo I tre heard him moan in his sleep, he's so hungry.
closes the safe, it creaks. He stands rigid. Mrs. Frank And you come in the night and steal food that
sits up in bed. She sees him. should go to them . . . to the children!

Mrs. Frank (screaming). Ottol Otto! Komme scbnell!5 Mrs.Van Daan @oingtoMr. Van Daan

(The rest of the people ruake, hurriedly getting up.) protectiuely). He needs more food than the rest of
us. Het used to more. He's a big man.
Mr. Frank. Was ist los? Was ist passiert? 6
(Mr. Van Daan breaks away, going ouer and sitting
sao (Dussel, follouted by Anne, comes fom his room.)
on the couch.)
Mrs. Frank (as she rusltes luer to Mr. Van Daan).
Er stiehb das Essen!7 Mrs. Frank (turning oru Mrs. Van Daan). And

Dussel (grabbingMr. Van Daan). You!You! you . . . you're worse than he is! Youre a mother,
Give me that.
szo and yet you sacrifice your child to this man . . .
Mrs. Van Daan (corning down tbe stair). Putti . . .
this...this...
Putti...whatisit?
Mr. Frank. Edithl Edithl
Dussel (his hands onYan DaanS neck).Yo't
dirty thief . . . stealing food . . . you good-for- (Margor picks up the pink woolen stole, putting it
nothing. . .
ouer her mother's shoulders.)
aao Mr. Frank. Mr. Dussel! For God's sakel Help me,
Mrs. Frank (paying no attention, going on to Mrs.
Peter! Van Daan). Don't think I havent seen you!Always

(Peter comes ouer, trying, utith Mr. Franh to saving the choicest bits for him! I ve watched you
se?ardte the two sffugling men.) day after day and I ve held my rongue. But not
any longer! Not after this! Now I want him to go!
Peter. Let him go! Let go! aso I want him to get out of herel

(Dussel dropsMr. Van Daan, pushing him away. Mr. Frank. Edith!
He sltouts them the end of a haf of bread that he has
tahenfrom Van Daan.) Mr.Van Daan. Get out of here? Together
Mrs.Van Daan. \What do you mean?
Dussel. You greedy, selfish . . . !
(Margot turns on the lighx.) Mrs. Frank. Just that!Take your things and get out!
Mr. Frank (ra Mrs. Frank). Youte speaking in
s5o Mrs.Van Daan. Putti. . . what is it? anger. You cannot mean what you are sayrng.
(All ofMrs. Frank's gentleness, her self-control, is
gone. She is ou*aged, in afrenz,y of indignation.) Mrs. Frank. I mean exactly that!

Mrs. Frank. The bread! He was stealing the breadl (Mrs. Van Daan takes a couerfrom theFranks'bed,
pulling it about her.)
Dussel.It was you, and all the rime we thought it
alo Mr. Frank. For two long years we have lived here,
was the rats! side by side. \We have respected each orher's

Mr. Frank. Mr. Van Daan, how could youl rights . . . we have managed to live in peace. Are
we now going to throw it all away? I know this
Mr. Van Daan. I'm hungry. will never happen again, will it, Mr. Van Daan?

5. Komme schnell!(k6m'e shnEl') German: Come quickly!
6. Was ist los? Was ist passiert? (vds Yst l6s'? vds Yst pdsert'7) Germanz What's the matter?

What has happened?
7. Er stiehlt das Essen! (6r shtelt' dds Es'en) Germanz He is stealing food!

1 558 uNrr 4: THEME eNo syl.rsor

Mr.Van Daan. No. No. (Peter rises from the steps where he has been sixing.)
Peter.Id have to go ifFather goes.
Mrs. Frank. He steals once! He'll steal again! (Mr. Van Daan comes jiom the bathroom. Mrs. Van
Daan hurries to him and takes him to the couch.
(Mr. Van Daan, holding his stomach, starts for the gqo Then she gets water from the sinb to bathe his face.)
bathroom. Anne puts her arrns around hirn, helping Mrs. Frank (wbile this is going on).He's no father to
him up the step.) you . . . that man! He doesn't know what it is to
soo Mr. Frank. Edith, please. Let us be calm. tVe'll be a father!
all go to our rooms . . . and afterwards we'll sit
down quietly and talk this out . . . we'll find Peter (startingfor his roorn).I wouldnt feel right.
someway... I couldnt stay.

Mrs. Frank. No! No! No more talk! I want them Mrs. Frank. Very well, then. I'm sorry.
to leave!
Anne (rwshing oaer to Peter). No, Peter! No!
Mrs. Van Daan. Youd put us out, on the streets? (Peter goes into his roorn, closing tbe door afier him.
Anne turns back to her motlter, crying.) I dont care
Mrs. Frank. There are other hiding places.
s:o about the food. They can have mine! I don't want
Mrs.Van Daan. A cellar . . . a closet. I know. it! Only dont send them away. It'll be daylight
And we have no money left even to pay for that.
soon. They'll be caught . . .
qro Mrs. Frank. I'll give you money. Out of my own
pocket I'll give it gladly. (She gets her purse fom Margot Qtutting ber arms cowtfortingly around
Anne). Please, Mother!
a shelf and comes back with it.)
Mrs. Frank. They're not going now. They'll stay
Mrs.Van Daan. Mr. Frank, you told Putti youd here until Miep finds them a place. (to Mrs. Van
never forget what hed done for you when you Daan) But one thing I insist on! He must never
came to Amsterdam. You said you could never come down here againl He must never come to
repay him, that you . . . this room where the food is stored!\We'll divide
qro what we have . . . an equal share for each! (Dussel
Mrs. Frank (counting out monflt).If my husband had hurries ouer to get a sack ofpotatoes /iom the food
any obligation to you, het paid it, over and over. safe, Mrs. Frank goes on, to Mrs. Van Daan.)
You can cook it here and take it up to him.
Mr. Frank. Edith, I've never seen you like this
lzo before. I dont know you. (Dussel brings the sacb ofpotatoes back to the center
tabk.)
Mrs. Frank. I should have spoken out long ago. Margot. Oh, no. No. \We haven't sunk so far
that we're going to fight over a handful of rotten
Dussel. You cant be nice to some people.
POtatoes.
Mrs. Van Daan (turning on Dussel). There would
have been plenry for all of us, if you hadnt come Dussel (diuiding the potatoes into pile). Mrs. Frank,
in here! szo Mr. Frank, Margot, Anne, Peter, Mrs. Van Daan,

Mr. Frank. \[e dont need the Nazis to destroy us. Mr. Van Daan, myself . . . Mrs. Frank . . .

\7e're destroying ourselves. (The buzzer sounds inMrep's signal.)

(He sits down, with his head in his hands. Mrs. Mr. Frank. Itt Miep! (He hurries zuer, getting
Frank goes ro Mrs. Van Daan.)
his ouercoat and putting it on.)
qao Mrs. Frank (giuing Mrs. Van Daan some mone).
Give this to Miep. She'll find you a place. Margot.At this hour?

Anne. Mother, you're not Putting Peter out. Mrs. Frank. It is trouble.
Peter hasn't done anything.

Mrs. Frank. He'll stay, of course. \7hen I say
I must protect the children, I mean Peter too.

THE DIARY OF ANNE ITRANK: ACT T'\i?'O 559

Mr. Frank (as he starts doutn to unbob the door). Mrs. Frank nies to rnake herself heard aboae the

I beg you, don't let her see a thing like this! excitement.)

Mr. Dussel (counting without stopping). .. . Anne, rozo Mrs. Frank (to Miep). How do you know?

sao Peter, Mrs. Van Daan, Mr. Van Daan, myself . . . Miep.The radio . . . The B.B.C.!They said they
landed on the coast of Normandy!
Margot (ra Dussel). Stop it! Stop it!
Peter. The British?
Dussel.. . . Mr. Frank, Margot, Anne, Peter, Mrs.
Van Daan, Mr. Van Daan, myself, Mrs. Frank. . . Miep. British, Americans, French, Dutch, Poles,
Norwegians . . . all of them! More than four
Mrs.Van Daan. You're keeping the big ones for thousand ships! Churchill spoke, and General
Eisenhower! D-Day they call it!
yourselflAll the big ones . . . Look at the size of
Mr. Frank. Thank God, itt come!
that! ...Andthat! ...
Mrs.Van Daan. At last!
(Dussel continues on utith his diuiding. Peter, with
his shirt and trousers on, comes from his room.) This'll be better than any blood transfusion.
Margot. Stop it! Stop itl
Mr. Frank (stopping her).What part of Normandy
no (We hearMiep's excited uoice speaking to Mr. did they land, did they say?
Miep.Normandy. . . that's all I know now. . .
Frank below.)
I'll be up the minute I hear some more! (She goes
Miep. Mr. Frank . . . the most wonderful
news! . . . The invasion has begun! hurriedly out.)

Mr. Frank. Go on, tell them!Tell them! Mr. Frank (ra Mrs. Frank). \What did I tell you?
\X/hat did I tellyou?
(Miep comes running up the steps, ahead ofMr.
(Mrs. Frank indicates that he has forgotten to boh
Frank. She has a man's raincoat on ouer lter rc40 tlte door afier Miep. He hurries doun the steps.
nightclothes and a bunch of orange-coloredfl,owers
in her hand.) Mr. Van Daan, sitting on the couch, suddenly
breahs into a conuulsiue sob. Euerybody looks at
Miep. Did you hear that, everybody? Did you hear him, bewildered.)
rooo what I said? The invasion has begun!The invasion! Mrs.Van Daan (hurryingto him). Putti! Putti!
\7hat is it? \)7hat happened?
(They all stare atMiep, unable to grds? what she is Mr.Van Daan. Please. I'm so ashamed.
telling tltem. Peter is the first to recouer his wits.) (Mr. Frank comes back up the steps.)

Peter. Y/here? Dussel. Oh, for God's sake!

Mrs.Van Daan. \When? \7hen, Miep? Mrs.Van Daan. Dont, Putti.
Loro Margot.It doesnt matter now!
Miep.It began early this morning . . .
Mr. Frank (goi"g toMr. Van Daan). Didn't you
(As she talks on, the realization of what slte has hear what Miep said? The invasion has come!
said begins to dawn on them. Eueryone gles craryt. \7e're going to be liberated!This is a time to
A taild demonstration takes place. Mrs.Frank hugs
Mr. Van Daan.) celebrate!

roro Mrs. Frank. Oh, Mr. Van Daan, did you hear that? (He embraces Mrs. Frank and then hurries to the
cupboard and gets the cognac and a glass.)
(Dussel embraces Mrs. Van Daan. Peter grabs a
frying pan and parades around tlte room, beating on Mr.Van Daan. To steal bread from children!
it, singing the Dutch National Antltem. Anne and
Margotfollow him, singing weauing in and out
dmong the excited groanu?l Margot breaks away
to take the flouters frorn Miep and disnibute thern
to eueryone. While this pandemqriam is going on

560 UNIT 4: THEME AND SYMBOL

Mrs. Frank. \7e've all done things that we're the second of July, nineteen forry-four. The
invasion seems temporarily to be bogged down.
ashamed of rroo Mr. Kraler has to have an operation, which looks
bad. The Gestapo have found the radio that was
roeo Anne. Look at me, the way I've treated stolen. Mr. Dussel says they'll trace it back and
Mother . . . so mean and horrid to her.
back to the thief and then, it's just a matter of
Mrs. Frank. No, Anneke, no. time till they get to us. Everyone is low. Even
poor Pim cant raise their spirits. I have often
(Anne runs to her mother, putting lter arms
been downcast myself . . . but never in despair. I
around her.) can shake off everlthing if I write. But . . . and

Anne. Oh, Mother, I was. I was awful. that is the great question . . . will I ever be able
to write well? I want to so much. I want to go
Mr.Van Daan. Not like me. No one is as bad as me!
1110 on living even after my death. Another birthday
Dussel (toMr.Van Daan). Stop it now! Let's be has gone by, so now I am fifteen. Already I know
what I want. I have a goal, an opinion.
happy!
(As this is beirug said-the curtairu rises on tlte scene,
Mr. Frank (giuing Mr. Van Daan a glass of cogna). the lights dim on, and Anne'sYoice fades out.)
rozo Here! IHeret Schnapps! L'chairu!8
It is an afierruoon afew rueeks later . . . Eueryone
(Van Daan takes the cogndc. They all watch him. butMargot is in the main r00m. There is a sense of
He giues them a feeble smile. Anne ?uts u? her
fingers in aV-for'Victory sign. AsYanDaan giues great tension.

an anstueringV-sign, they are startled to ltear a BothMrs. Frank andMr.YanDaan are
neruously pacing back and forth, Dussel is standing
loud sob from bebind them. his Mrs. Franh
tt2o At the window, looking down fixedly dt the street
stricken utitb remorse, She is sitting on the other below. Peter is at the center table, trying to do his
side of the room.) lessons. Anne sits opposite him, writing in her diary.
Mrs. Van Daan is seated 0n the couclt, her eyes on
Mrs. Frank (through her sobl. \Mhen I think of the Mr. Frank as he sits reading.
terrible things I said . . .
The sound of a telephone ringing comes from
roao (Mr. Franh Anne, andMargot burry to her trying the ffice belou They all are rigid, listening tensely.
Mr. Dussel rusl'tes down to Mr. Frank.
to comfort her. Mr. Van Daan brings her his glass of Dussel. There it goes again, the telephone!
Mr. Frank, do you hear?
cognac.) r rao Mr. Frank (quietly) . Yes. I hear.
Dussel (pleading insistent). But this is the
Mr.Van Daan. No! NolYou were right! third time, Mr. FranklThe third time in quick
succession! It's a signal! I tell you it's Miep, trying
Mrs. Frank. That I should speak that way to to get us! For some reason she can't come to us
and shet trying to warn us of something!
you! . . . Our friendsl . . . Our guests! (She starts

to cry again.)

Dussel. Stop it, you're spoiling the whole invasionl

(As they are comforting her, the lights dirn out.

The curtain falls.)
Loeo Anne's Yoice (faintllt at first and then with growing

strength). \7e're all in much better spirits these
days. Theret still excellent news of the invasion.
The best part about it is that I have a feeling that

friends are coming. -ff/ho knows? Maybe I'll be

back in school by fall. Ha, halThe joke is on us!
The warehouse man doesn't know a thing and we
are paying him all that money! . . . Wednesday,

8. Schnopps! \shnaps) German: Brandyl L'choiml (le rnd'yYm) Hebrew:fo lifel

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: ACT T\q'O 551

Mr. Frank. Please. Please. up the steps.) Too late. (Mr. Frankgoes to Margot in
Anne 3 bedroom.)
Mr. Van Daan (to Dussel). You're wasting your
breath. Mr. Van Daan. So we just wait here undl we die.

Dussel. Something has happened, Mr. Frank. Mrs. Van Daan (hysterically).I cant stand it! I'll
rrao For three days now Miep hasnt been to see us! rreo kill myself! I'll kill myself!

And today not a man has come to work. There Mr.Van Daan. For Godt sake, stop it!
hasnt been a sound in the building!
(In the distance, a German military band is heard
Mrs. Frank. Perhaps itt Sunday. \7e may have lost playing a Viennese utahz.)

track ofthe days. Mrs. Van Daan. I think you'd be glad if I did!
I think you want me to die!
Mr.Van Daan (to Anne). You with the diary there. Mr.Van Daan. tMhose fault is it we're here? (Mrs.
\Mhat day is it? Van Daan starts for her room. He follows, talhing
at her.) \7e could ve been safe somewhere . . .
Dussel (Soi"S ra Mrs. Frank). I don't lose track of in America or Switzerland. But no! No!You
the days! I know exactly what day it is! It's Friday, rrqo wouldnt leave when I wanted to. You couldnt
the fourth ofAugust. Friday, and not a man at
rr5o work. (He rushes back to Mr. Frank, pleading leave your things. You couldn't leave your
taith him, almost in tears.) I tell you Mr. Kraler's precious furniture.

dead. Thatb the only explanation. He's dead and Mrs.Van Daan. Dont touch me!
theyve closed down the building, and Miep's
trying to tell us! (She humies up the stairs, followed by Mr.Yan

Mr. Frank. She'd never telephone us. Daan. Peter, unable to bear it, goes to his room.
Anne looks afier him, dupb concerned. Dussel
Dussel (frantic). Mr. Frank, answer that! I beg returns to his post at the uind.ou. Mr. Frank comes
back into the rnain room and takes a booh, trying to
you, answer it!
read. Mrs. Frank sits near the sink, starting to peel
Mr. Frank. No.
lzoo szrne pztatzes. Anne quietly goes toPetet's room,
Mr.Van Daan. Just pick it up and listen. You dont closing the door after her. Peter is lyingface doun
on the cot. Anne leans ouer hirn, holding him in her
r16o have to speak. Just listen and see if itt Miep. arms, trying to bring him out of his despaix)

Dussel (speaking at tlte sarne time). For Godt Anne.Look, Peter, the sky. (She looks up through
sake... I askyou. tbe skylight.) \Mhat a lovely, lovely day! Arent the
Mr. Frank. No. I've told you, no. I'll do nothing
that might let anyone know we're in the building. clouds beautiful? You know what I do when it

Peter. Mr. Franks right. seems as if I couldnt stand being cooped up for one

Mr. Van Daan. There's no need to tell us what side more minute? I think myself out. I think myself
you're on. on a walk in the park where I used to go with

Mr. Frank. If we wait patiently, quietly, I believe rzro Pim. \Mhere the jonquils and the crocus and the
that help will come. violets grow down the slopes. You know the most
wonderful part about thinki.ngyourself out? You
wo (There is sileruce for a minute as they all listen to the
can have it any way you like. You can have roses
telephone ringing.)
and violets and chrysanthemums all blooming at
Dussel.I m going down. (He rushes down the steps.
Mr. Frank tries ineffectually to hold him, Dussel runs the same time . . . Itt funny. . . I used to take it

to the lower door, unbobing it. The telephone stops all for granted . . . and now I've gone crazy about
everfhing to do with nature. Havent you?
ringing. Dussel bohs tbe door and comes slouly bach

562 uNrr 4: rHEME AND sYMBoL

Peter. I've just gone crazy. I think if something in the life . . . (She breahs ofr) Littc.n to us, going
doesnt happen soon . . . if we don't get out of at each other like a couple of stupid grownups!
nzo here. . . I can't stand much more of itl rzoo Look at the sky now. Isnt it lovely? (She holds out
her hand to him, Peter takes it and rises, standing
anne (sortb). I wish you had a religion, Peter. with ber at the window loobing out, ltis arrns

Peter. No, thanks! Not me! around her.) Some day, when we're outside again,

Anne. Oh, I don't mean you have to be I'm going to . . .

Orthodoxe . . . or believe in heaven and hell (She breaks offas she hears the sound of a car, its

and purgatory and things . . . I just mean some brakes squealing as it comes to a sudden stop. The
peopb in tlte other rooms also becorne aware of the
religion . . . it doesn't matter what. Just to
believe in something!\Mhen I think of all that's sound. They listen tensely, Another cdr rndrs up to d
outthere. . . the trees. . . andflowers. . . and
seagulls . . . when I think of the dearness of you, screeching stop. Anne andPeter come fom Peteri

tzao Peter . . . and the goodness of the people we o7o room. Mr. andMrs. Van Daan creep down the
know . . . Mr. Kraler, Miep, Dirk, the vegetable stairs. Dussel comes ofirtom his room. Eueryone is
man, all risking their lives for us every day . . . listening hardly breathing. A d.oorbell clangs again
tMhen I think of these good things, I'm not afraid
and again in the building below. Ml Frank starts
anymore. . . I find myself and God, and I . . .
quietly doun the ste?s to the door. Dussel andPeter
(Peter interrupts, getting up and ualking (twqt.) follou him. The otlters stand rigid, waiting terrified.

Peter. Thatt fine! But when I begin to think, In a feu seconds Dussel comes stumbling bach
I get mad! Look at us, hiding out for rwo years.
Not able to move! Caught here like . . . waiting u? the steps. He shahes offPeter's help and goes
for them to come and get us . . . and all for what?
to ltis room. Mr. Frank bobs the door beloa and
rz+o Anne.\7e're not the only people thatve had comes sloutly back up the steps. Tbeir eyes are all on
to suffer. There ve always been people that ve r;,ao him as he stands there for a minute. They realize
that ruhat they feared has happened. Mrs. Van
had to . . . sometimes one race . .. sometimes Daan starts to uthimper. Mr. Van Daan puts her
another...andyet... gently in a chair, and then burries offup the stairs
to their room to collect tbeir things. Peter goes to
Peter. That doesnt make me feel any better! comfort his mother. There is a sound of aiolent
pounding on a door below.)
Anne (going to bim).I know itt terrible, trying
Mr. Frank (quietly). For the past two years we have
to have any faith . . . when people are doing such lived in fear. Now we can live in hope.

horrible . . . But you know what I sometimes (The pounding below becomes more insistent. There
think? I think the world may be going through r29o dre mffied sounds of uoices, shouting commands.)
a phase, the way I was with Mother. It'll pass,
rz:o maybe not for hundreds of years, but some Men's Voices. Auf machen! Da drinnen! Auf
d"y . . . I still believe, in spite of everything,
machen! Schnell! Schnell! Schnell! etc., etc.10
that people are really good at heart.
(The street door below is forced open. We hear the
Peter.I want to see something now . . . Not a
thousand years from nowt (He goes oaer, sitting heauy tread offootsteps coming up. Mr. Frank gets

down again on the cot.) two school bags from tlte shelues, and giues one to
Anne and tbe other to Margot. He goes to get a bag
Anne. But, Peter, if youd only look at it as part of forMrs. Frank. The sound offeet coming u? groLus
a great pattern . . . that we're just a little minute

9. Orthodox: Orthodox Jews who strictly observe Jewish Iaws and traditions.
10. Auf machen! ...Schnelll(ouf'miizrH'enl diidrin'an! ouf'miirn'enl shn6l! shnEll sf'ndlllAermon:

Open upl lnside there! Open up! Quick! Quick! Quick!

THE DrARy oF ANNE FRANK: ACT Tlro 563

louder. Peter comes to Anne, kissing ber good-bye, (Miep gles up to the gas burner, bringing back a pot
of cffie.)
tlten lte goes n his room to collect his things. The
1300 buzzer of their door starts to ring. Mr. Frank brings Mr. Frank (a/ier a pause).It seems strange to
say this, that anyone could be happy in a
Mrs. Frank a bag. They stand together, waiting. 1340 concentration camp. But Anne was happy in
We hear the thud of gun butts on the door trying the camp in Holland where they first took us.
to break it doutn. After two years of being shut up in these rooms,
she could be out . . . out in the sunshine and
Anne stands, holding her scbool satchel, looking the fresh air that she loved.
ouer at her father and mother with a sofr, reassuring
smile. She is no longer a child, but d womdn with Miep (ffiring th€ coffee to Mr. Frank). A little
courage to meet w/tateuer lies ahead.
more?
The lights dim out. The curtain falk on the scene.
Mr. Frank (holding out his cu? to her).The news
We hear a mighty crash as the door is shattered. of the war was good. The British and Americans
nrc Afier a second Annek Voice is heard.) were sweeping through France. \7e felt sure
t:io that they would get to us in time. In September
Anne's Voice. And so it seems our stay here we were told that we were to be shipped to
is over. They are waiting for us now. Theyve Poland . . . The men to one camp. The women
to another. I was sent to Auschwitz. They went
allowed us five minutes ro ger our things. tWe to Belsen. In January we were freed, the few of us
who were left. The war wasnt yer over, so it took
can each take a bag and whatever it will hold us a long time to get home. -Wed be sent here
of clothing. Nothing else. So, dear Diary, that and there behind the lines where we'd be safe.
means I must leave you behind. Good-bye for a Each time our train would srop . . . at a siding,
while. PS. Please, please, Miep, or Mr. Kraler, or or a crossing . . . we'd all get out and go from
anyone else. If you should find this diary, will you 1360 group to group . . . \7here were you? \7ere you
please keep it safe for me, because some day
r:zoIhope... at Belsen? At Buchenwald? At Mauthausen? Is it
(Her uoice stops abruptly. There is silence. Afier a
possible that you knew my wife? Did you ever see
second the curtain rises.) my husband? My son? My daughter? That's how
I found out about my wifet death . . . of Margot,
It is again the afiernoon in Nouember 1945. The theVan Daans . . . Dussel. ButAnne . . . I still
rooms dre As we sdtD them in the first scene. Mr.
Kraler bas joinedMiep andMr. Frank. There are hoped . . . Yesterday I went to Rotterdam. Id
cffie cups 0n the table. We see a gredt cltange in Mr.
heard of a woman there . . . SheU been in Belsen
Frank. He is calm now. His bitterness is gone. He
slowly turns afew pages of the diary. They are blank. withAnne...Iknownow.

Mr. Frank. No more. (He closes the diary and puts it (He picks up the diary again, and turrus the pages

nto down on the couch beside him.) nto back to find a certain passage. As he finds it ute hear
Annet Voice.)
Miep. I d gone ro the country to find food. Vhen
I got back the block was surrounded by police . . . Anne's Voice. In spite of everything, I still believe
Mr. Kraler. Y/e made it our business to learn how
they knew. It was the thief . . . the thief who that people are really good at heart.
told them.
(Mr. Frank sloruly closes the diary.)

Mr. Frank. She puts me ro shame. (They are silent.)

The Curtain Falls.

564 uNrr 4: rHEME AND syMBoL

THE DIARY OF ANNE FR-ANK: ACT T'WO

Comprehension i coMMoNcoRE

1. Recall Who was stealing the bread in the Annex? RL 2 Determine a theme of a text
2. Summarize why does the man from the storeroom request extra money?
and analyze its development,
Text Analysis including its relationship to the
characters, setting, and plot.
Make Inferences Mrs.Van Daan doesn't need her fur coat in the attic.
Why does she react so strongly when Mr. Van Daan wants to sell it? Rl0 Readandcomprehend
4. Analyze Plot what was the play's climax, or the point of highest tension?
Use a graphic to note the events that happen at each stage of the pray's plot. dramas.

C/imax

ts. lnterpret a Drama Review the chart you made as you read. Anne grew up

under the Nazi occupation. ln your opinion, how did life in the attic affect her
personality? How did life in the attic affect the personality of Mr. Van Daan?

! 5. evaluate a Drama Reread lines 73-18 in Act one and r3og*r33o in Act rwo.

According to the stage directions, what is taking place on the stage at these
times? Explain how this staging allows the playwrights to convey information
that might not be revealed if all dialogue occurred only between characters.

O z. Evaluate Theme At the end of Act rwo, Anne shares with peter her ideas

about the tragic events they have been hearing about. she says, ,,1 think the

world may be going through a phase . . . . rt'll pass." How do Anne's ideas

illustrate the theme of the play? How does peter react to her ideas?

Extension and Challenge

8. creative Project: Drama with a small group, choose a scene that supports

the play's theme and practice acting it out. when you perform for the class,
explain why you chose the scene you did.

,. socrAl sruorrs coNNEcrotrr Many Jews in Europe tried to save

Q-L themselves when the Nazis came to power. Research one of the

following people to find out how he or she survived: Yettie Mendels, Erika Van
Hesteren, Alfred Lessing, and joseph Heinrich.

What IMPACT witl you have on the world?

Review the quickwrite activity on page 5og. what effect has readingThe
Diary of Anne Frank had on the wayyou answerthe questions?

566 uNrr 4: THEME AND syMBoL