Final answer:
Mrs. Frank and Mr. Van Daan's reactions to the invasion differ, with Mrs. Frank showing resilience and hope, while Mr. Van Daan demonstrates pragmatism and concern for immediate survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in reactions of Mrs. Frank and Mr. Van Daan to learning about the invasion in The Diary of Anne Frank play can be attributed to their individual dispositions and outlooks shaped by the dire circumstances they are in. While specific text from the play is needed to cite exact evidence, a general portrayal shows that Mrs. Frank often exhibits hope and resilience in the face of adversity, whereas Mr. Van Daan's responses tend to be more pragmatic and sometimes pessimistic. The range of responses among the residents of the Annex could represent their diverse coping mechanisms toward the constant threat posed by the outside world.
Mrs. Frank is typically the voice of optimism, trying to maintain morale and encourage the other residents to think about the future after the war. On the other hand, Mr. Van Daan is usually depicted as more concerned with the immediate welfare and survival needs of his family, often showing signs of stress and anxiety over their situation. Both characters symbolize different aspects of human nature under the strain of war: the hope for a better future versus the struggle to make it through each day.