The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I - 1. Compare and Contrast How is Anne’s response to her confinement different from her sister’s?
In Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank, Anne's response to her confinement in the Secret Annex is noticeably different from her sister, Margot's. Anne is depicted as lively, curious, and restless whereas Margot is more reserved and mature.
Anne's response to confinement is characterized by her lively and curious nature. She quickly adapts to the situation, finding ways to entertain herself and make the best of her circumstances. Anne pours her energy into writing, reading, and expressing her thoughts and emotions in her diary. She often daydreams about her future, longs for freedom, and displays a constant desire for change and excitement.
On the other hand, Margot's response to confinement is more composed and mature. She demonstrates a sense of responsibility, often acting as a calming influence on those around her. Margot is portrayed as intelligent and studious, dedicating her time to reading and studying. Unlike Anne, she seems to have accepted her situation and focuses on maintaining a sense of normalcy within the confined space.
The contrasting responses of the two sisters could be attributed to their differing personalities and ages. Anne, at 13 years old, is in the midst of adolescence and yearns for adventure and self-discovery. She finds solace in her vivid imagination and writing, using these outlets to cope with the restrictions of their confinement. Margot, being older and more reserved, exhibits a sense of maturity and practicality. She understands the gravity of their situation and prioritizes stability and routine.
In summary, Anne's response to confinement in The Diary of Anne Frank is characterized by her lively and curious nature, while Margot responds with maturity and composure. Their different personalities and ages play a significant role in shaping their distinct reactions to their confined space.