Question

In "The Diary of Anne Frank," how does the use of flashback at the beginning of the play help to advance the plot?

A. It sheds light on how Mr. Frank has changed over time.
B. It helps the reader understand how and why the war started.
C. It helps the reader understand how the conflicts between the characters were resolved.
D. It sheds light on the friendship between Mr. Frank and his workers.

Answer 1

In 'The Diary of Anne Frank,' the flashback at the beginning of the play serves as exposition, revealing Mr. Frank's character development and establishing emotional connection and understanding of the narrative's context for the audience.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Diary of Anne Frank, the use of flashback at the beginning of the play is a crucial narrative device. Flashback as a plot mechanism typically serves the purpose of providing context to the present events by revealing past ones. In this case, the use of flashback primarily serves to illustrate how Mr. Frank has changed over time, reflecting on his experiences and the impact of the war on his character. This acknowledgement of change functions as exposition, laying the foundation for the audience's understanding of the characters' development, the challenges they face, and the narrative's progression. This device connects past events, creating an emotional bond with the audience and a deeper understanding of the ensuing narrative. Moreover, dialogue plays a significant role in this play when it comes to revealing backstory. The explicit conversations between characters immediately involve the audience in the personal histories and secrets that have shaped the characters' lives, enhancing their comprehension of the story's context without lengthy narrations.