Question

In Act II, Scene 2 of The Diary of Anne Frank, Anne prepares for a “date” with Peter. As Margot helps her to get ready, their dialogue reveals evidence that Anne is maturing, as does Anne’s discussion with Peter later in the scene. In your journal, describe how Anne is changing, using specific examples from the text to support your ideas. How would you feel if you were in Anne’s position as a teenager surrounded by adults, trying to navigate the challenges of growing up seemingly all by yourself?

Answer 1

Anne Frank has matured in many ways. She has grown physically and mentally. Physically, her body has changed because now she has to wear a brassiere and Margot's dresses. Since going into hiding, Anne had outgrown three dresses in the first year. Mentally, you could see she was maturing because she started worrying about her appearance more. She even asked Peter what he thought of her. Anne asked, "And what do you think now, Peter? How have I changed?". She started having fights with her mother because she treated her like a baby. In the reading, Anne said, "Treating us as if we were still in the nursery". I would be mad and tell them that I am a good person. I would tell my mom that I was not a little kid and I can make my own decisions now. I would tell her that she should trust me and let me live what life I could live while in hiding.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Anne is becoming more mature as she ages, and she looks at the world through a fresh pair of eyes. She now understands part of the burden that her parents hold, and she acts more politely towards the van Daans. If I were in Anne’s position, I would be terribly grumpy most of the time, trying to navigate the challenges of growing up seemingly all by myself. But, I have two other siblings, so I can complain to them all the time!