Question

Read the excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank.

DUSSEL

Mrs. Frank divides things better.

(Together)

MRS. VAN DAAN

(Going to DUSSEL). What are you trying to say?

MR. VAN DAAN

Oh, come on! Stop wasting time!

MRS. VAN DAAN

(To DUSSEL) Don't I always give everybody exactly the same? Don't I?

MR. VAN DAAN

Forget it, Kerli.

MRS. VAN DAAN

No. I want an answer! Don't I?

What is a minor conflict in this excerpt?

A. Mrs. Frank and Mrs. Van Daan both argue about who gets to cut the cake.
B. Mrs. Van Daan is offended by Dussel’s implication that she is not fair.
C. Mr. Van Daan is frustrated with Mrs. Van Daan for being rude to Mr. Dussel.
D. Mrs. Van Daan is angry with her husband because he is not being nice to her.

Answer 1

The minor conflict in the excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank is Mrs. Van Daan being offended by Dussel's implication that she does not divide things fairly, which illustrates the tensions in the annex. The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank, the minor conflict revolves around the distribution of resources within the group in hiding. Mrs. Van Daan becomes offended when Dussel hints that she may not divide things evenly among the group, and she insists on getting an answer from him to confirm that she is fair in her allocations. This dynamic highlights the tensions that can arise in stressful situations when resources are scarce, and the importance of perceived fairness in communal living arrangements.

Conclusion: The minor conflict from the provided excerpt is B. Mrs. Van Daan is offended by Dussel's implication that she is not fair. It's a snapshot of the everyday struggles and interpersonal dynamics that take place in the confined and stressful environment of the secret annex.