Diary of Anne Frank
Name:______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Directions: In a few sentences, characterize the following personalities from Diary of Anne
Frank.
The Franks
Anne Frank
Mr. Frank
Mrs. Frank
Margot Frank
The Van Daans
Mr. Van Daan
Mrs. Van Daan
Peter Van Daan
Others
Miep
Mr. Kraler
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
Background
Where and when was Anne Frank born?
How old was she when her family moved to another country? Where and why did they move?
In what year did Anne begin keeping a Diary?
In 1940, what major international event occurred that caused the Franks to go into hiding? What
more personal event occurred that caused them to go into hiding?
In your own words, briefly describe conditions for Jews in that time period.
What is Hitler’s “Final Solution?”
Of the eight people hiding in the Secret Annex, who survives the war?
Anne’s parents are sent to which camp? Where are Anne and Margot sent?
How did Anne Frank die? How old was she at the time?
What is the Van Daans’ real last name? What is Mr. Dussel’s real last name?
Directions: In complete sentences, fill in the appropriate information about each of the Act
One’s scenes.
Scene 1:
What is the setting of the play? What three details about the setting stand out the most to you?
What object makes Mr. Frank weep? How is this an example of foreshadowing? Who do you
think is the owner of the gloves?
What does Mr. Frank initially want to do with Anne’s Diary? Why do you think this is?
What strategy does the author use to show that the play is going into flashback?
Scene 2:
What characters are we introduced to at the beginning of Scene 2? What are they worried about?
What “illegal” object concerns Mrs. Frank? How does this help characterize her? What is this
object used for, and what do you think the author reveals about the Franks’ world that such a
thing is illegal for them to have?
Why do you think Miep and Mr. Kraler are helping the Franks and Van Daans?
How do the Franks sneak their clothes into the Annex?
What sound frightens everyone into silence in Scene 2? What does the author remind us is going
on outside the annex by using noises such as this one?
How are Anne and Peter’s personalities completely different? How is this shown in Scene 2?
Briefly describe the difference between the way that Anne and Peter view their stars.
What important object does Mr. Frank give Anne in Scene 2?
How does Anne initially view her new life at the annex? How does this view change shortly
thereafter, and what causes this change?
Near the end of Scene 2 is an unusually long set of stage directions. Why might the author
choose to go several minutes without having anyone speak? What might this symbolize?
Define SOLILOQUY:
What is it that finally breaks the silence? What might the author be showing us by using this to
break the silence?
Scene 3:
How much time has passed since the end of Scene 1?
What does w.c. stand for? What’s a w.c.? Why is it in such demand?
How does Anne attempt to stay positive? What larger point or theme about life might Anne’s
attitude express?
What noise reminds us of the conflict outside?
What kinds of conflicts exist between the people inside the annex at the beginning of Scene 3?
What does Mr. Frank say might be a cure for Anne’s “illness?”
How does the author show that tensions are becoming high in the annex? What adult character’s
personality clashes with Anne’s?
What new conflict is introduced at the end of Scene 3? Do you think Mr. Frank’s decision is
justified?
Why is Dussel surprised to see the Franks? What does his surprise reveal?
The Franks aren’t fully aware of conditions outside the annex. What does Dussel reveal about the
world outside? In what way does the news cause Anne to experience a personal loss?
Mr. Kraler and Miep are aware of the news that Dussel shares with the Franks, yet have not
shared it with them. Why do you think they withhold such important information?
Why do you think Anne is so fascinated by the family that lives in the houseboat?
Define IRONY:
How are Anne’s plans for the future ironic? What are some examples of Anne’s plans?
What is revealed in Anne’s soliloquy at the end?