Question

Read this sentence from sunday, january 2, 1944, in anne frank: the diary of a young girl. i was suffering then (and still do) from moods that kept my head under water (figuratively speaking) and allowed me to see things only from my own perspective, without calmly considering what the others—those whom i, with my mercurial temperament, had hurt or offended—had said, and then acting as they would have done. how does the phrase "head under water" affect the meaning of the sentence?

a) It emphasizes that Anne is overwhelmed by her emotions and only sees things from her perspective.
b) It shows that Anne is analytical, not emotional, when reflecting on social interactions.
c) It indicates that Anne will not grow beyond the limits of her hotheaded temperament.
d) It implies that Anne is able to successfully manage her emotional reactions.

Answer 1

The phrase "head under water" signifies Anne Frank's emotions overwhelming her ability to understand others' perspectives, alluding to the sense of being engulfed and lacking clarity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "head under water" in the sentence from Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl conveys Anne's feeling of being overwhelmed by her emotions, which hampers her ability to see situations from any perspective other than her own. This figurative language suggests a state of being submerged in water, where one's vision and hearing are impaired, symbolizing Anne's lack of clarity and understanding of others' perspectives due to her intense emotional state. Such a metaphor indicates that Anne recognizes her emotional turbulence and its negative impact on her relationships, rather than suggesting an analytical or detached reflection on social interactions.