October 9, 1942 - November 28, 1942 Summary
Anne writes that she has depressing news. Many of their Jewish friends are being taken away. She has heard of people being taken to Westerbork, which is a big Jewish camp in Drente. Anne has heard that there are not enough washing facilities and the men, women and children sleep together. Because of that, many of the women and girls are expecting babies. She has also heard that it is impossible to escape and the Gestapo shave the inmates' heads. Miep delivers the terrible accounts. Anne is horrified. She says, "Nice people, the Germans! To think that I was once one of them too!"
A week later, Anne writes that she, Mrs. Frank and Margot are getting along well again. Anne and Margot shared parts of their diaries with one another. A few days later, they all get a terrible scare. No one is making any attempt to be quiet. Suddenly, they hear hammering coming from the other side of the cupboard. A carpenter is there to fill the fire extinguishers. Elli is eating with them when it happens and they tell her not to go downstairs. They heard knocking at their door, which terrified them. However, it was only Mr. Koophuis, coming to fetch Elli. The carpenter had gone downstairs. Later that week, Miep and Henk spend the night in the Annexe. Anne is excited to have visitors. As time goes on, Anne says that she is growing up and her mother is letting her read more adult books. One of the books talks about women selling their bodies for money and another discusses menstruation. Anne wants to get her period because she thinks it seems so important.
On Saturday, November 7th, Anne is upset because she has had a fight with her family.
Anne had picked up a book Margot was reading. When Margot wanted it back, Anne hesitated. Both of her parents yelled at her. Anne writes that she loves her father so and that he is the only person she feels that she has. She is disappointed by her mother's failings.
"I am always making resolutions not to notice Mummy's bad example. I want to see only the good side of her and to seek in myself what I cannot find in her. But it doesn't work and the worst of it is that neither Daddy nor Mummy understands this gap in my life and I blame them for it. I wonder if anyone can ever succeed in making their children absolutely content."
Anne writes that one day she is treated with respect, the next day she is treated like a silly goat. She laments that she has her own plans and ideas. She says that she always comes back to her diary, Kitty, for support.
On November 9th, Anne says that they have celebrated Peter's 16th birthday. The next day, she is excited to hear that another person is coming to live in the Annexe. They have to choose who it will be. They decide on Albert Dussel. Dussel is a dentist whose wife made it out of the country before the war. He'll have to sleep in Anne's room. They want him to move in on Saturday, but he refuses, saying he will move in on Monday. He wants to settle some finances and see a few patients first. Anne thinks his decision to wait is both foolish and ungrateful.
When Dussel arrives, he is stunned to find out that he will be living with the Franks. He thought they had made it to Switzerland. They present him with a humorous list of rules for living in the Annexe. Anne likes Dussel. He tells them that the Germans have taken away many of the Jews they know. Anne feels guilty to have a nice, warm bed when her friends are in such danger and are suffering. The residents of the Secret Annexe are devastated to hear news from the outside world. Every time Miep has a report, Mrs. Frank and Mrs. Van Daan cry. Anne feels lonely, but at the same time guilty for feeling sorry for herself when other Jews are dying. The tension and boredom in the house continues to grow, especially when they are restricted from using electricity.
October 9, 1942 - November 28, 1942 Analysis
One of the book's most important themes begins to develop in these entries. It is the question of self identity. Anne is starting to wonder where she fits into the world. Although Anne despises Germans, she herself acknowledges that she is a German. She tries to sort out her feelings about being German by simply deciding that she is no longer German because Hitler took her nationality. Anne is experiencing many of the typical angst that comes with being a teenager. She fights with her family, she thinks that people are conspiring against her and she is lonely. All of these things are common, yet unlike other teens, Anne must also deal with being a Jew during World War II. Acting and feeling like a normal teenager make Anne feel guilty because she knows that others are suffering far worse. She ends up feeling selfish, when in reality, she is simply experiencing the normal emotions that come with being a young teenager.
Also in these entries, the reader starts to get a sense of the pervasive boredom that comes from living in the Annexe. Little habits of others that might be overlooked in a normal setting are magnified in the claustrophobic environment of the hiding place. The boredom becomes worse when they are not allowed to use electricity at night. Anne exercises in the dark, makes up riddles and speaks French and English. She then discovers that she can look into other people's homes with field glasses. She says that she finds her neighbors very interesting, although her descriptions are only of a family eating dinner and a dentist seeing a patient.
Multiple Choice - October 9, 1942 - November 28, 1942
1. What is Westerbork? a) Where Lies and her family are b) Another hiding place c) A Jewish camp in Drente d) Where the Franks are hiding their possessions
2. What DOES NOT happen at Westerbork? a) Jews are asked to make quilts b) Jews have to use one lavatory c) Men and women are housed together
d) Jews have their heads shaven3. What do the Gestapo say happens when hostages end up dead? a) They call them accidental occurrences b) They call them horrible tragedies c) They call them fatal accidents
d) They call them terrific murders
4. What French book is Anne attempting to read? a) La Plus des Enfants b) La Belle Nivernaise c) Le Tragedie de la Guerre
d) La Belle Nouveau Riche
5. Who were the occupants of the hiding place not warned was coming? a) The garbage man b) The SS c) The milkman
d) The carpenter
6. Why wasn't anyone warned about the person who came unexpectedly? a) Mr. Frank thought it was best to not say anything b) Koophuis couldn't open the hook to the secret door c) Mr. Kraler was trying to get them caught
d) Mr. Van Daan didn't remember to share the news
7. What is Anne longing to have because it seems so important? a) Her period b) A chance to be outside c) A new life
d) A new book
8. Who says, "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning"? a) Mr. Frank b) Winston Churchill c) Mr. Koophuis
d) Mr. Van Daan
9. Who is the new person that the hiding place will include? a) Julian Kreshen b) Albert Dussel c) Margaret Goosens
d) Frank Van Daan
10. What is the profession of this new person? a) A dentist b) A veterinarian c) A doctor
d) A hatmaker
11. What do the Van Daans make up for the new person? a) A plate of food b) A set of rules c) A new bed
d) A new shirt
12. Why does the electricity have to go off for two weeks? a) They have been found out b) They have used up the ration. c) They have been making too much noise
d) They have not paid the bill
Short Answer Questions - October 9, 1942 - November 28, 1942
1. What is Westerbork?
2. What DOES NOT happen at Westerbork?
3. What do the Gestapo say happens when hostages end up dead?
4. What French book is Anne attempting to read?
5. Who were the occupants of the hiding place not warned was coming?
6. Why wasn't anyone warned about the person who came unexpectedly?
7. What is Anne longing to have because it seems so important?
8. Who says, "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning"?
9. Who is the new person that the hiding place will include?
10. What is the profession of this new person?11. What do the Van Daans make up for the new person?
12. Why does the electricity have to go off for two weeks?
December 7, 1942 - April 2, 1943
The residents of the Secret Annex celebrate Chanuka and St. Nicholas Day. Everyone gets presents and enjoys the small celebration. The residents of the Annexe are thrilled to hear that they are all going to get an extra quarter pound of butter for the holidays. All non-Jews are entitled to a half-pound each. Those living in the Secret Annexe share four cards that they have purchased illegally. Anne sits in the main office, looking outside of the window. She thinks that the people walking outside look dirty and downtrodden. Meanwhile, sharing a room with the old dentist is making life worse for Anne. She is also becoming increasingly distressed to hear about the plight of Jews in the outside world. The next bit of excitement comes when they receive a large order of meat. Mr. Van Daan gets to work making sausages. Everyone laughs to see the sausages hanging from the ceiling.
Mr. Dussel passes the time by opening up a makeshift dental office. His first patient, Mrs. Van Daan, screams with pain as he tries to treat her decayed teeth. These little humorous episodes cannot distract Anne from the horror of what is going on with the Jews. At the same time, she continues to feel attacked by her family members, Mr. Dussel and the Van Daans. She says that she is "boiling with rage." At first, Mr. Dussel was shocked by the constant arguing in the house, but he has gotten used to it. Anne especially hates being compared to Margot and Peter. She says they don't act young. They are boring and she doesn't want to be like them. The adults are also getting on each other's nerves. Mrs. Frank tells Mr. Van Daan that she can't bear his stupid chatter. He is very insulted.
The building where they are hiding is sold. Mr. Koophuis pretends to have lost the key to the communicating door leading to the Annexe. The new owner was satisfied with the explanation. They are also being forced to ration butter and Anne thinks the Van Daans take more than their share. At night, they hear gunfire. Anne is scared and into her father's bed. During the gunfire, they must keep their rooms dark, which makes Anne even more afraid.
Anne writes more about their daily diet. She says they have eaten so many kidney and haricot beans that she can no longer stand the sight of them. They no longer eat bread in the evening. Meanwhile, she is growing out of her shoes. Nothing fits her except for a pair of snow boots. She is also learning how to cut her father's hair. He says she does such a good job that he won't hire a barber after the war. On March 24th, the residents get a big scare when they think someone is downstairs, but it turns out to be a false alarm.
The situation for the Jews in the outside word continues to grow worse. Hitler makes a declaration that all Jews must be out of German occupied countries before July 1st. Anne knows that Jews are being sent to "slaughterhouses," and it gives her nightmares. Mr. Frank is upset about business discussions going on downstairs. Anne and Margot lay with their ears pressed against the floor so they can eavesdrop for him. Unfortunately, Anne falls asleep on the linoleum and is not much help.
One night, when Anne is waiting for her father to come help her say her prayers, her mother comes in and offers to pray with her. Anne declines the invitation and Mrs. Frank gets tears in her eyes. Anne's mother comments that love cannot be forced. Anne feels guilty for pushing her away. For the first time, Anne realizes that her mother is hurt by her coldness, yet she feels Mrs. Frank is to blame for always criticizing her. Her parents expect her to apologize, yet Anne doesn't feel the need to apologize for acting on the truth.
December 7, 1942 - April 2, 1943 Analysis
In these diary entries, Anne is clearly starting to become her own person. She is becoming more mature. For instance, instead of complaining about how unfair it is to be compared to Margot, she just states that they are very different and that she would not want to be like Margot. The fights still bother her, as evidenced by the comment that she is boiling with rage, but she is becoming very confident in herself and trusting her own judgment and reasoning capabilities.
Anne is very matter-of-fact in her dealings with her mother. She feels like her mother has never showed her enough maternal care, therefore, she has never been able to develop strong feelings of love for her. Mr. and Mrs. Frank expect Anne to apologize for hurting her mother's feelings. Yet Anne refuses to apologize for acting on what she sees as the truth, even if it means making them more uncomfortable. In an earlier section of the book, Mrs. Frank said that she has taught Anne not to be too unassuming. This is obviously true. Anne may not feel that she loves her mother, but she has certainly learned from her.
Despite the persecution they have experienced and the religious holidays the household observes, Anne does not comment much on the fact that she is a Jew. In fact, religion seems to play almost no role in her life. For her being Jewish is more of a label than a spiritual path. When Anne does reflect on being Jewish, it is only to bitterly protest against anti-Semitism and the terrible plight of its victims.
Multiple Choice - December 7, 1942 - April 2, 1943
1. What holidays arrive just one day apart in 1942? a) Chanuka and St. Nicolas Day b) Christmas and St. Nicolas Day c) Chanuka and Christmas
d) Chanuka and Passover
2. what was on top of the basket at the celebration? a) A cross b) A mask of Black Peter c) A picture of Jesus
d) A star of David
3. What was Mr. Van Daan's past job? a) A cook b) A sausage maker c) A carpenter
d) A car manufacturer
4. What was Mr. Van Daan wearing as he was making sausages? a) Mr. Frank's shirt b) Mr. Dussel's hat c) His wife's apron
d) Mrs. Van Daan's fur
5. Who is Dussel's first client? a) Anne b) Mrs. Frank c) Mrs. Van Daan
d) Margot
6. What does Dussel decide to do with this free time and skills? a) Work on other people's hats b) Open up a medical clinic
c) Open up a vet clinic d) Open up a dental clinic
7. What happens that causes Mrs.Van Daan to become hysterical? a) She spills something on her fur b) She yells at her husband c) She breaks a vase
d) A tool gets caught in her tooth
8. What good news does the secret hiding place receive for the Christmas season? a) Everyone gets an extra half pound of butter b) Everyone gets a new outfit c) Everyone gets sugar to eat
d) Everyone will get to walk outside
9. Who does Mrs. Frank tell that she can't bear their stupid chatter anymore? a) Anne b) Mrs. Van Daan c) Mr. Frank
d) Mr. Van Daan
10. What has happened to the building with the secret hiding place? a) One of the windows was shattered b) It has been vacated by the workers c) It has been sold to a new owner
d) A fire has damaged it
11. What does Mr. Frank make for Margot and Anne? a) A small notebook in which they can share thoughts b) A card index box to write down names of books they have read c) A large pillow for them to share d) A music box that helps them pass the time
12. What bites Peter? a) A spider b) A bug c) His cat
d) A rat
Short Answer Questions - December 7, 1942 - April 2, 1943
1. What holidays arrive just one day apart in 1942?
2. what was on top of the basket at the celebration?
3. What was Mr. Van Daan's past job?
4. What was Mr. Van Daan wearing as he was making sausages?
5. Who is Dussel's first client?
6. What does Dussel decide to do with this free time and skills?
7. What happens that causes Mrs.Van Daan to become hysterical?
8. What good news does the secret hiding place receive for the Christmas season?
9. Who does Mrs. Frank tell that she can't bear their stupid chatter anymore?
10. What has happened to the building with the secret hiding place?
11. What does Mr. Frank make for Margot and Anne?
12. What bites Peter?
April 27, 1943 - September 10, 1943
Everyone in the house continues to fight with each other. The food situation is growing worse. However, Anne realizes that she is comparatively lucky.
"I usually come to the conclusion that it is a paradise compared with how other Jews how are not in hiding must be living. Even so, later on, when everything is normal again, I shall be amazed to think that we, who were so spick and span at home, should have sunk to such a low level."
The entire family is wearing frayed clothing. Anne and Margot have grown out of all of their things. Anne witnesses an air battle between the Germans and British. It is growing warm, but the Annexe residents still have to start a fire to burn their waste. They can't put anything in garbage pails, for fear that the warehouse boy will notice the trash. They are repeatedly woken by gunfire.
Anne celebrates another birthday. Her father writes her a poem about growing up and parenting that moves her. Anne is having trouble with her eyesight. She needs glasses and has had to give up her shorthand lessons. Mrs. Frank wants Miep to take Anne outside to get glasses, but Anne is terrified she'll be caught. She and Margot are keeping busy by helping Elli with the office work. Anne wants to work at the table in the bedroom she shares with Mr. Dussel. She asks to work there for just two afternoons a week, but he refuses and says that his work is more important than her knitting and mythology lessons. Later, Anne tries her hardest to politely bring up the subject again. Mr. Dussel calls her selfish, but agrees. Mr. Frank speaks to the older man to defend Anne against his verbal insults.
On Friday, July 16th, Peter discovers that burglars have been inside the building. They have taken some money and the sugar rations. Anne learns that North Amsterdam has
been heavily bombed and much of the area is in ruins. The diary switches in mood on July 23rd. Anne writes about what everyone wants to do as soon as they get out of the house. She says that Elli has offered to get them some fruit because it is very cheap. Anne writes about another argument she had with Dussel and Mrs. Van Daan. She has an extreme dislike for the woman. The whole house is suffering from fleas that the cat has brought in. Everyone is scratching.
Anne has now been in hiding for more than a year. She decides to try to describe her daily routine. She begins with how they spend their nights. They start their bedtime routine at about 9 p.m. Her bed is so small that every night she has to lengthen it with chairs and pillows. Everyone takes a turn in the bathroom before turning in at 10 p.m. Anne doesn't like sharing a room with Dussel because of the breathing noises he makes at night. She thinks he sounds like a fish gasping for breath.
On August 5, 1943, Anne describes their lunchtime schedule. At 12:30 p.m., the Annexe relaxes because the workers below them have gone to lunch. At 1 p.m., they listen to the BBC on the radio. Afterward, they share their midday meal. By 1:45, the meal is over. Mrs. Frank and Margot do the dishes. Everyone else takes a nap. They once again gather for their evening meal. Anne resents the way Mrs. Van Daan takes the best of everything for herself, whether it be the smallest potato or sweetest bite of something. Mrs. Van Daan does the cooking and Mrs. Frank washes the dishes. Anne writes that Dussel has an enormous appetite and never turns away a serving of anything. Elli eats with the family often and Anne enjoys her company.
On August 10th, Anne writes that Miep has gotten her an exceptionally fine pair of high-heeled shoes for a good price. She also describes how Dussel put them at risk by asking Miep to bring him a forbidden book. A week later, Anne resumes her writing. She calls this entry "The communal task of the day: potato peeling." Dussel criticizes the way she peels the potatoes, even though he doesn't do a very good job himself. Mr. Frank takes his work seriously and makes each potato perfect. Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan usually bicker while peeling, unless they have just had a serious argument. Then, they don't talk to each other at all. In her next entry, Anne writes about their mornings. At 8:30 a.m., everyone must be quiet. They cannot run water or use the bathroom while employees are downstairs. At 9 a.m., they eat breakfast and then spend their mornings reading.
April 27, 1943 - September 10, 1943 Analysis
Unlike the previous and later journal entries, this section of the book focuses on practical, day-to-day matters. Anne goes to great lengths to detail how the residents of the Annexe spend their days. Instead of only using her journal to record secret thoughts, she now seems more focused on acting as a journalist and narrator of their lives in the Annexe. She explains how the various family members behave at the dinner table and how they handle their various chores. This section is also important because it shows that Anne is growing physically into a young woman. She can no longer wear many of the clothes that she brought into the Annexe, which illustrates the passing of time.
Multiple Choice - April 27, 1943 - September 10, 1943
1. Who says, "I don't want to be cross, love can not be forced?" a) Mrs. Frank to Anne b) Anne to Peter c) Peter to Anne
d) Anne to Mrs. Frank
2. What does Anne do in response to loud war noises outside? a) She goes to her father b) She covers her ears c) She tries to escape
d) She packs up an escape bag
3. What are the new students required to sign and to promise? a) That they are in agreement with the New Order b) That they will fight for Hitler c) That they will not take anyone into hiding
d) That they will do well in school
4. Who offers his bed to Mrs. Van Daan when she is frightened? a) Mr. Van Daan b) Mr. Kraler c) Dussel
d) Mr. Frank
Short Answer Questions - April 27, 1943 - September 10, 1943 1. Who says, "I don't want to be cross, love can not be forced?"
2. What does Anne do in response to loud war noises outside?
3. What are the new students required to sign and to promise?
4. Who offers his bed to Mrs. Van Daan when she is frightened?
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