The Diary of Anne Frank Act I Themes Quiz

Introduction

The Diary of Anne Frank is a story written by Anne Frank between June 1942 and August 1944, when she was hiding from Nazi persecution during World War II. Act I of this play focuses on Anne's life in the annex, her growing conflict with people like Peter Van Daan, and her emotional growth. In this article, we will discuss the themes present in Act I, the conflicts with characters such as Peter Van Daan, Anne Frank's character development, and the setting of the annex.

Themes in Act I

Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank explores themes such as:

• Anger and Resentment: Anne expresses her frustration and anger towards her family, particularly her father, who once again makes an inappropriate comment about her body. Anne also expresses her annoyance with Peter Van Daan and his family.
• Fear and Anxiety: Anne is terrified of the Germans and constantly worries about their impending arrival.
• Puberty: The play also touches on the theme of adolescence and puberty, with Anne's embarrassment over her period and her comparing herself to other girls.
• Loneliness and Love: Anne feels lonely and isolated, but also experiences her first feelings of love, as she falls for Peter Van Daan.

Conflict with Other Characters

Anne's relationship with Peter Van Daan is a significant source of conflict in Act I. She is initially attracted to him and even writes a poem about him, but as she gets to know him better, she becomes disillusioned. She observes his flaws, including his selfishness and his tendency to blame others for his problems.

Anne Frank's Character Development

Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank provides a glimpse into Anne's character development. She is a young girl who is still figuring out who she is and what she wants from life. She is initially naive and idealistic, but as she experiences the harsh realities of life in the annex, she becomes more cynical and disillusioned.

The Annex Setting

The setting of the annex is crucial to the story. It is a small, cramped space where eight people are forced to live in hiding, which leads to tension and conflict among the occupants. The setting also serves as a metaphor for the confining nature of the war and the uncertainty of their future.

Conclusion

Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank is a poignant exploration of adolescence, love, conflict, and fear in the face of war. It sets the stage for the rest of the play, which delves deeper into Anne's journey of self-discovery and her ultimately tragic fate. The themes, conflicts, and character development presented in Act I make it an essential part of the play, providing a foundation for the rest of the story.