The Diary of Anne Frank – Act Two: Scene 1
1.
a)
How does the gift of the cake create tension in the annex?
1) Mr. Van Daan saying that there should be seven pieces because he took it for granted Margot wouldn’t have any because of her
cold…2) When Mr. Dussel wanted Mrs. Frank to cut the cake…Mr. & Mrs. Van Daan became angry…bickering…
b) What does it reveal about the characters of Mr. And Mrs. Van Daan?
Self-centered (Cake!), selfish: Mr. Van Daan takes Anne’s cake when she goes into her room. When Mr. Dussel notes that Mr.
Van Daan always gets a bit more when Mrs. Van Daan divides things…
2. State, in a few words, your opinion of Mr. Van Daan in the matter of the fur-coat episode of this scene.
Inconsiderate because he didn’t consider that he fur coat was Mrs. Van Daan’s, not his…
Self-centered because he’s uses the money from selling the fur coat to buy cigarettes for himself instead of thinking of others.
3. How does the (possible) blackmailer further complicate an already tense situation in the annex? (Pg. 60)
a) Extra money  Mr. Dussel (line 5-6) … b) More scared  Mrs. Van Daan speaking to Mr. Kraler..
4. “It isn’t our fault that the world is in such an mess! We weren’t around when all this started.” (page 61) Comment on the truth of
Anne’s statement.
Answer vary
5. Explain how the relationship between Peter and Anne is gradually developing.
 Gradually developing when they find that they both got into fights easily and when Peter invites Anne to his room, she’s angry
or needs to let out her anger…
 Have first talk in Anne’s room, Peter have a little bit of feeling for Anne when he brings her cake.
 Dressing up to see each other.
6. This scene ends on a note of great tension – a tension which has been accumulating throughout the scene. From the text, select details
which substantiate this statement. SKIP
The Diary of Anne Frank – Act Two: Scene 2
1. Contrast the attitudes of Mrs. Van Daan and Mrs. Frank to the growing friendship between Peter and Anne.
Mrs. Frank encourages Anne but tells her to not close the door to Peter’s room. Mrs. Van Daan doesn’t like the friendship
between them and keeps on making remarks. (Mrs. Van Daan angry that Peter and Anne spend time together away from every
one ..Pg. 68, 72..She is little jealous…Mrs. Frank not as cruel (pg. 66),…
2. Select details of their conversation which show that Peter and Anne are typical young people encountering normal problems as they
gradually mature.
Peter ignored Anne, talking about whether Peter kissed a girl. When Anne says good-bye but she stays. When Peter kisses Anne.
When Anne says that Peter liked Margot better. Peter doesn’t think she’s smart…
Pg. 69: When Anne complained that the adults treat them like toddlers.. When Peter finds it difficult to do some subjects, and
when Anne feels that she’s not pretty….
3. Why are such simple meetings, as the one described in this scene, of special importance to Peter and Anne?
Answers Vary
4. A theatre critic has stated: “Scenes such as this between Peter and Anne are too full of sentimentality and thus falsify the portrait of
Anne.” With reference to the text of the play, defend (or refute) this opinion. SKIP