Question

(The Diary of Anne Frank Pages 325-327) Why is the cake important in this part of the scene? What things does it reveal about the events that have gone on "off stage" as well as what does it reveal about the characters?

Answer 1

The occupants of the secret annex were running low on food supplies and it was the beginning of a new year.

Step-by-step explanation:

Th cake is significant and important first because it was the beginning of a new year - January 1, 1944.

Secondly and more significantly, the occupants of the secret annex room were running very low on food supplies.

Infact, Mr Van Daal (Peter's father) had previously been caught stealing bread while Mrs Van Daal had being persuaded to sell her fur coat in other to raise some money for food.

2) It reveals the level of distrust, anger and disappointment amongst the different occupants of the secret annex as explained below

- Dr Dussel requested that Mrs Frank to cut the cake because he couldn't trust Mrs Van Daal to share the cake equally.

- Mrs Frank expressed delight on seeing a cake. She vocalised not seeing one (a cake) in a long time.

- Mrs Frank had earlier caught Mr Van Daal stealing a loaf of bread. After expressing her disappointment in him, she requested that Mr Van Daal should leave the annex