Assignment - Drawing on information from the Historical Perspectives feature and the Frank Family and World War II Timeline, write an explanatory essay addressing the following question: How are historical events reflected in the play The Diary of Anne Frank? Cite specific historical events, and explain how the playwrights choose to filter them through the action in key scenes of the play. Explain how outside events affected the moods of the residents of the Secret Annex and their relationships with one another. Conclude your essay with a judgement about how well the playwrights capture the relationship between the outside world of the war and the inside world of the attic.
In the play "The Diary of Anne Frank," historical events are intricately woven into the narrative, capturing the essence of the time period in which it is set. By drawing upon information from the Historical Perspectives feature and the Frank Family and World War II Timeline, we can identify specific historical events reflected in the play and understand how the playwrights choose to filter them through the action in key scenes.
One of the notable historical events reflected in the play is the rise of Nazi Germany and the subsequent persecution of Jewish people. The play begins with the Franks, along with the Van Daans and Mr. Dussel, seeking refuge in the Secret Annex to escape the atrocities committed by the Nazis. The gradual implementation of anti-Jewish policies, such as the imposition of yellow stars, rationing of food, and the deportation of Jews, is portrayed in the play, creating a sense of urgency and fear among the characters. For example, in Act 1, scene 2, Anne describes how Jewish families are being taken from their homes, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The playwrights choose to filter these historical events through the anxiety and tension that permeate the atmosphere of the Secret Annex.
Another historical event that is reflected in the play is the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. In Act 1, scene 3, the residents of the Secret Annex are thrilled when they hear on the radio that the invasion has begun. They are hopeful that this could potentially signify the end of the war and their liberation. This event serves as a momentary source of hope and unity among the characters, as they come together to celebrate the news. However, as time passes and the war continues, their initial optimism wanes, and they are once again plagued by a sense of uncertainty and fear.
The playwrights also choose to filter the historical events through the relationships and moods of the residents in the Secret Annex. The constant fear of being discovered profoundly affects the dynamics between the characters. In Act 2, scene 2, the tensions among the residents reach a boiling point when Anne's parents argue with the Van Daans over stolen food. This scene not only reflects the scarcity and hunger caused by the war but also highlights the strain placed on their relationships due to the confined living conditions and the constant fear of being caught. The presence of Mr. Dussel, a demanding and difficult roommate, further exacerbates the conflicts and intensifies the mood in the Secret Annex.
Outside events also have a significant impact on the moods of the residents. When news of the extermination camps reaches them, there is a palpable shift in their emotions. The reality of the horrors being committed outside their hiding place takes a toll on their psyche. This is evident in Act 2, scene 5, when the residents listen to the radio and hear about the atrocities committed at Auschwitz. The atmosphere becomes suffocating, with Anne describing it as "like a nightmare." The playwrights effectively capture the profound impact that outside events have on the emotional well-being of the characters.
In conclusion, the playwrights of "The Diary of Anne Frank" skillfully capture the relationship between the outside world of the war and the inside world of the attic. By filtering historical events through key scenes and the emotions of the characters, they successfully depict the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of those living in hiding during World War II. The play paints a vivid picture of the historical events that shaped the lives of the Franks and those in the Secret Annex, effectively immersing the audience in the atmosphere of the time period.