THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: CHAPTER SUMMARY

SUMMARIES WITH NOTES / ANALYSIS

For the ease of discussion, the entries in the diary have been broken into chronological groups.
INTRODUCTION
Written between the years 1942 and 1944, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is the personal diary of a young teenager. It has
historical significance because Anne, a Jewish girl forced into hiding, tells of her experiences during the war. Originally written in
Dutch, the diary was entitled Het Achtehius. In English, the literal translation would be The House Behind, which refers to the
secret annex of the office building where Anne and her family go into hiding with the van Daans.
Eight people shared the attic rooms: Anne, her mother, her father, her sister (Margot), Mr. and Mrs. van Daan, the van Daans son
(Peter), and a dentist named Dussel. The intimate diary captures many details about the annex and its occupants. With strong
emotion, it also tells about the girls fears about the war and the turmoil she undergoes as part of growing up. Additionally, she
makes remarkable observations about human nature.

PART I: JUNE 14, 1942 to JULY 9, 1942

Summary
The entries dated from June 14th to July 5th are written in Annes home in Amsterdam, Holland, where she spends her last few
weeks of freedom under almost normal circumstances. Anne, a fun-loving girl who enjoys life, has just turned thirteen. She writes
about the various presents she was given for her birthday. From her father, she received a diary (which was really an autograph
book) with a red-checkered cover; this special gift is her favorite present. She has decided to tell about her life in daily entries into
the diary, knowing that paper is more patient than man. She hopes the diary will become a substitute for having a real friend and
will make her feel less lonely; therefore, she calls the diary Kitty.
Most of the opening entries give a brief history of Annes life. She tells that she was born in Frankfurt, Germany, where she lived
until the family moved to Holland to escape from Hitler and the Nazis, who had overtaken Germany. One of the early entries, dated
June 20, 1942, explains how the conditions for Jewish people are worsening. With remarkable detachment and a seeming lack of
emotion, she jots down the various restrictions put on Jews, including the following:
i) Jews must wear a yellow star to identify them from others.
ii) Jews must hand in their bicycles, which will be given to soldiers and policemen.
iii) Jews must not travel by train and are forbidden to drive.
iv) Jews must shop only in Jewish shops and only from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
v) Jews must stay indoors after 8:00 p.m.
vi) Jews must not visit the theatre, the cinema, or sporting events.
vii) Jews must not visit Christians.
viii) Jews must go to Jewish schools.
In spite of their feelings of uncertainty and fear, Anne and her family try to make the most of their restricted existence. The spunky
teenager says that things are bearable, even though she was forced to leave her Dutch school in 1941, when Hitler occupied Holland.
Anne also tells about her grief over losing her grandmother in January of 1942. She writes, No one will ever know how much she is
present in my thoughts and how much I love her still.
Anne goes on to tell about her school, which continues in the entry dated June 21. She admits that she has a very talkative nature
and tells about a punishment she received. Her teacher required her to write an essay on being an incurable chatter box. But Anne
is also a good student. On Sunday morning, July 5, Anne writes how well she has done on her school exams. She claims that her
sister, Margot, is the truly brainy one in the family, but Anne is proud of her own grades. Anne also expresses an interest in boys. She
specifically talks about Peter Wessel, on whom she seems to have a crush.
Anne also writes about her father. Since Jewish men are no longer allowed to do business, Mr. Frank whiles away his time at home,
while his Dutch partners manage the firm. Anne tells how she and her father share a strong bond. Otto Frank trusts his teenage
daughter enough to tell her about his plans of taking the family into hiding. The news makes Anne anxious.
Notes
The first entries in the diary tell of the lively existence of a young Jewish girl who has just turned thirteen. She seems to bubble with
laughter and a love of life, playing Ping-Pong, participating in pranks, and flirting with young men. Although she seems popular with

her school friends and is doted upon by her parents, Anne feels a basic loneliness. Not having a best friend with whom she can share
her emotions, she decides to write her thoughts and feeling into her diary, which she names Kitty.
Anne is particularly close to her father, Otto Frank. His birthday present to her, the red-checkered diary, is her favorite. He also
trusts her enough to tell her about his plans to take the family into hiding. Anne is also close to her sister, Margot, even though she
seems a bit jealous of her . She states that Margot is the smart one in the family, and she struggles to do well in school to keep up
with her.
In spite of her youth and happiness, Anne cannot ignore what is going on around her. In the previous year (1941), Hitler has
occupied Holland. As a result, she had to quit her Dutch school and attend a Jewish one. Additionally, she gives a long list of other
restrictions put on the Jews. They cannot ride trains, own bicycles, work in most businesses, attend the theater or movies, or visit
with Christians. Additionally, they must wear yellow stars to identify them as Jewish and shop only in Jewish stores between the
hours of three and five. Anne finds the restrictions difficult, but she says that life is bearable. It is obvious that this positive young
lady tries to make the best of any situation.
PART II: THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1942 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1942
Summary
On July 9, 1942, Anne and Margot are told to hurriedly stuff their things into their school satchels, for it is time for the family to go
into hiding. Margot, Annes older sister, has been summoned to work in a concentration camp. Although their departure date had
been set for July 16, Otto Frank, out of fear for his daughters safety, moves the date up by a week. As the Franks walk to their hiding
place, carrying a few belongings in shopping bags, it will be the last time that they are out in the open air and free to walk about. It is
appropriate that it is raining outside, a foreshadowing of the misery they will endure. For the next twenty-five months, before they
are discovered and seized by the Nazis, they will live in fear, sharing the close quarters of the secret annex with another Jewish
family, the van Daans.
The diary entries from July 9 to November 12 deal with four main topics: 1) a discussion of the secret annex and its occupants; 2)
their connection with the outside world, including their source of supplies; 3) Annes concern about the concentration camps and
gas chambers; and 4) the turmoil of being an adolescent, made more difficult by the trying circumstances under which she lives.
In the entry on July 9, Anne draws a sketch of the annex and tells how the secret hiding place in the office building is covered up by a
cupboard. There are only a few rooms, and the quarters are cramped. Anne notes that her mother and sister feel too terrible to
work, but Anne tries to remain cheerful as she and her father unpack and arrange things. It seems that she does not really
understand the danger that she and her family are under. At first, it seems almost like a vacation to Anne, as if they were staying in
some boarding house.
Two days later, in the entry dated July 11, Anne is beginning to struggle with her new life and to acknowledge her fears. She tells
how the family has forbidden Margot to cough at night, for fear of discovery. She also writes, I cant tell you how oppressive it is
never to be able to go outdoors; also Im very afraid that we shall be discovered and be shot. She also talks about her Dutch
protectors, the men who work downstairs in the office building.
After the July 11th entry, Anne does not write in the diary for more than a month. By the time she continues to make her entries,
the van Daans have arrived to stay in the secret annex, bringing news of the outside world. Anne states that Peter, their awkward,
quiet, and shy son, will not be good company for her, even though he is only two years older than she. Ironically, they later develop
and a close and loving friendship. Anne also points out that Mrs. van Daan is a difficult and picky woman. She complains that the
group is using the dishes belonging to the Franks rather than the ones belonging to her. She also fusses at Anne for talking too much
and does not help much with the cleaning.
Although living in a small, damp, dark dwelling is boring and miserable, Anne accepts that it is necessary. She knows that she cannot
fret or worry about the living conditions; the only thing that is important is survival . Life grows more tense, however, with the
presence of the new arrivals. Anne hates that she must witness a terrible quarrel over a trivial thing between Mr. and Mrs. van Daan
and the affect it has on Peter. She also resents that Mrs. van Daan is always criticizing her behavior and saying, I wouldnt put up
with it if she were my daughter. In addition, she dislikes the fact that all of the van Daans seem a bit lazy to her, especially Peter.
Anne also finds her own mother and sister difficult to bear, for they are always correcting her and telling her she must be quiet. She
writes, Mummy gave me another frightful sermon this morning; I cant bear them. Our ideas are completely opposite. Later she
states, Margots and Mummys natures are completely strange for me. Her disagreements with her mother and sister intensify her
adolescent rebelliousness. She writes, Nothing, I repeat, nothing about me is right; my general appearance, my character, my

manners are discussed from A to Z. . . .I am not going to take all these insults lying down. Ill show them that Anne Frank wasnt born
yesterday. She goes on to say in a later entry, I have my faults, just like everyone else, I know that, but they thoroughly exaggerate
everything. Her emotions are not atypical for a teenage girl, especially one confined to a small space with an anxious mother and
quibbling sister.

In spite of the misery that she often feels because of the way she is treated by her mother, her sister, and Mrs. van Daan. Anne tries
to make the best of it. She says, You only really get to know people when youve had a jolly good row with them. Then and then
only can you judge their true characters. She also feels thankful that Mrs. van Daan is not her mother. In contrast to her feelings
about her mother and sister, Anne feels that Daddy is a darling. Otto Frank does, indeed, prove that he is caring, resourceful, and
wise. He serves as the peacemaker of the group, pouring oil on troubled waters. He keeps Anne, Margot, and Peter engaged in
studying, reading, and making family trees. He also tries to comfort Anne.
Beginning with the entries dated September 28, Anne writes detailed and matter-of-fact accounts of everything the family does and
every problem it faces under the confined circumstances of their lives. In the entry on September 29, she even gives a description of
how, where, and when each member takes a bath. She also talks about the unhygienic conditions and their being forced to use a
glass jar as a toilet bowl until they can find a plumber they can trust with their secret. Another time they cannot speak a single word,
move about, or bathe for three days for fear of being detected. Anne also writes about good things. She tells of Mrs. van Daans
birthday party, one of the few celebrations that are given in the annex. She also tells about how she and Margot receive sack-like
skirts that cost 24 florins each, three times more than pre-war prices. Additionally, Anne reveals that she and her sister will soon
begin a correspondence course for short hand.
Very few of the entries in Kitty mention life outside the annex or the fate of other Jews in Amsterdam. The family only receives
selected news from Miep, Elli, Koophuis, and Kraler, their Dutch protectors; the worst information about the fate of Jewish people
is always kept from them. Then Mr. and Mrs. Frank only share a small portion of what they learn with their daughters, for they do
not want to make them worried or afraid.
On October 9, Anne does reveal that she knows about Jewish imprisonments. She writes about Westerbork, a Jewish camp where
thousands of her race are brought in large cattle trucks by the Gestapo. She states, Westerbork sounds terrible. . .Men, women and
children all sleep together. One hears of frightful immorality because of this; and a lot of the women, and even the girls who stay
there any length of time, are expecting babies. She also acknowledges that it is impossible for the Jews to escape and that many of
them are murdered, usually by gassing. Anne, always trying to find something positive in the negative, states that at least a gas
chamber is a quick way to die.
One night Miep and Henk come to the secret annex and stay for the night. Anne is excited to have company; it is a change from the
monotonous routine. She relates a sad tale told by Miep. An old, crippled Jewess, terrified by all the shooting, was sitting at her
doorstep simply waiting for the Gestapo to take her away to the crematorium. The family also learns how prisoners are lined up
against a wall and shot dead. The next day the Germans say their deaths were fatal accidents. After the Franks hear stories such as
these, they are silent and filled with a sense of helplessness and dread. They acknowledge that the Nazis are horrendous enemies
and wonder if it is hopeless to hope against hope for their own safety.
Anne tells of two frightening experiences. The occupants of the annex are not warned that some workmen are coming to check the
fire extinguishers. Upon hearing outsiders, they fear that they have been discovered and that the intruders are Nazis. Even after they
discover the truth and know they are safe, Anne shakes with fear for almost two hours. A second frightful experience is when Otto
Frank becomes very ill. No medical help can be called, for it would be too dangerous. Mrs. Frank tells her daughters to pray for their
fathers recovery. The prayers are answered.
Annes problems with Margot and her mother constantly fluctuate. In one entry she writes that Mummy, Margot, and I are as thick
as thieves again. She even tells how she and her sister share their diaries and talk about their appearance. Later, her feelings again
change and she complains, Mummy and her failings are something I find harder to bear than anything else. . . . I have in my minds
eye an image of what a perfect mother and wife should be. . .and I find no trace of that image [in her]. . . Sometimes I believe that
God wants to try me. . . and I must become good through my own efforts, without examples and without good advice. Anne is also
certain that her mother loves Margot best, for Anne believes her sister is more beautiful, intelligent, and talented than she is, even
though she claims that she is not jealous of her. As a result of her feelings about her mother and sister, Anne continues to turn to
her father for comfort. She states, I cling to Daddy because it is only through him that I am able to retain the remnant of family
feeling. She also admits that she longs for his love, not only as his child, but for me - Anne, myself.

Within these entries in the diary, Anne does much soul-searching and self-criticism. She always sees faults in herself and wants to
find ways to be a better person. She writes, Every day I try to improve myself, again and again. She also admits that she is fed up
with living in the cramped quarters with no escape. It is not surprising that she often cries herself to sleep at night. She is, however,
at least thankful to have her diary, for she feels she can write her deepest thoughts within its pages; she even personifies the diary
as her friend and confidante.
Notes
This section of entries shows the emotional side of Anne. Like a typical teenage girls, there are disagreements with her mother and
sister. Anne, believing that Margot is more beautiful and talented, feels certain that Mrs. Frank loves her sister best. She also finds
her anxious mother to be critical and demanding. As a result, Anne sometimes questions her self worth. Fortunately, she can turn to
her caring father for support.
The cramped quarters of the annex have also begun to bother Anne. She talks of her lack of privacy and the unsanitary conditions
they sometimes have to endure. She is uncomfortable when she must witness an argument between Mr. and Mrs. van Daan and
feels sorry for Peter, who is troubled by the fighting. She also hates the dull routine and the fact that she can never go outside. At
least Mr. Frank is resourceful enough to come up with lessons for the children to study and to send away for a correspondence
course so that Anne and Margot can learn shorthand. There are also other small delights to break the monotony, like the overnight
visit of Miep and Henk, the birthday celebration for Mrs. van Daan, and the receipt of a new skirt. By these entries, Anne also reveals
that she has begun to worry about the safety of her family and herself. One time some workmen come to the annex to make repairs,
and the family is frightened that they have been discovered by the Nazis. Anne admits that she is so scared that she shakes for two
hours. She has also heard the horrible stories of the concentration camps, the gas chambers, and the firing squads. She wonders if
the plight of the family is hopeless. It is not wonder that she often cries herself to sleep.
PART III: NOVEMBER 9, 1942 - AUGUST 3, 1943
Summary
By November, the group has been in hiding for almost six months. Even though the Nazis have tried to confiscate all radios and the
large set in the office downstairs has been turned in, the Jewish hideouts constantly listen to a small set given to them by their Dutch
protectors. Anne writes that the radio with its marvelous voice helps us to keep up our morale, . . . [hoping] better times will
come. They dream of hearing news about Hitlers defeat and the end of the war; however, such news does not arrive. Instead, the
fighting spreads to Holland, and there are frequent air raids and bombings. The Franks and van Daans grow nervous and fearful.
Amidst the misery and fear, Anne tries to maintain a sense of hope in these entries, for she has heard on the radio that the English,
French, and Russians have made advances, while Hitler has suffered some defeats.
Anne reveals that another Jew joins the group in the annex on November 17; it is a dentist named Dussel. At first, Anne thinks he is a
nice gentleman, but conflicts with him soon begin when she learns she must share her room with him. She tries to be tolerant and to
remember that what is most important is to keep one more Jew from being killed by the Nazis. Fortunately, things in the annex are
lightened by the preparations for Chanukah (a Jewish celebration) and Saint Nicholas Day (a Dutch celebration). At the appropriate
time, the group lights Chanukah candles and opens the gifts provided by their Dutch protectors. The attempt by these Jews in hiding
to retain a facade of normalcy in the most abnormal of times is indeed remarkable.
These entries in the diary give details about the war and its affect on the occupants of the annex. The fighting in Holland continues.
Anne tells how many of the Dutch provinces are purged of Jews; it is like the Nazis are getting rid of cockroaches. Everyone of the
group in the annex has difficulty fighting depression about the war and their circumstances. They often find they cannot sleep, and
their health deteriorates. Sometimes when she is afraid at night, Anne crawls in bed with her parents, even though she later judges
it is a childish thing to do.
Anne tries not to complain excessively about her miserable living conditions, for she knows that the annex is a paradise in
comparison to the concentration camps. She accepts that she must live with meals of stale food, underwear that is too small, and
beds made with dirty sheets. She is also used to the smell of burning trash, for they cannot throw away their garbage, for fear of
being caught. She acknowledges that one can be betrayed by being a little careless. Anne does complain, however, that her
mother makes life more difficult. So do the air raids, the regular gunfire, and the constant fear of being discovered.
The later entries in this section become brighter and more optimistic. England has been giving solid resistance to the Germans, and
there is hope among the group that the British will soon push forward to rescue Holland from the Nazi hold. They dare to again hope
for freedom. Anne is feeling so positive that she even tells about a humorous situation involving Peter and herself. He is dragging a
sack of dried brown beans when it suddenly bursts open. A hailstorm of beans cascades down the stairs, and Anne, at the bottom of
the steps, becomes a little island amongst a sea of beans, causing everyone to laugh. As they gather the beans, they laugh even
harder. Anne tells about another humorous incident that occurs with Mrs. van Daan. Dussel, who has become an irritating and bossy

old man, insists upon giving the fussy woman a dental check-up. As she resists in total nervousness, he makes it into a form of
entertainment for the group, with everyone having a good chuckle at her expense. Such moments of humor help to relieve the
tension created in the close quarters.
Anne tells about the celebration held in honor of her fourteenth birthday, on June 12, 1943. She receives several small gifts,
including some new books, from her own family and the van Daans. Her father also writes a poem for her, a German tradition that
he honors. It is a special day for Anne and helps brighten her spirits temporarily. She is especially delighted to have some new
reading material, for books have become an all-important source of amusement for her. She also finds relief from the monotony
when she and Margot are sometimes allowed to go downstairs and help in the office, which makes Anne feel important.
Anne also explains group members also entertain themselves by talking about what they will do once they are again free. They also
talk about their pasts, especially their childhoods, and tell humorous anecdotes on themselves. Additionally, they discuss their
thankfulness at being hidden safely away in the annex with enough food to eat. But there is always an underlying concern for their
friends and neighbors who may not be so lucky. Anne fears that her own school friends may have been delivered into the hands of
the cruelest brutes that walk the earth. And all because they are Jews!
Anne complains about her roommate, Mr. Dussel, a constant source of irritation to her. There is a worktable in their room that she is
allowed to used for an hour and a half each day, as Mr. Dussel sleeps. Wanting more time to work on her studies in the room, she
politely approaches the bossy old man and asks for an extra three hours a week. Without an explanation, he refuses to grant Anne
her request. Although she is furious, she holds her temper and asks him to reconsider. Dussel melodramatically answers with a
lengthy criticism of her and her request. As a result, Anne goes to her father to beg for help, and Mr. Frank convinces Dussel to give
the girl another three hours on the table. Dussel, however, refuses to speak to Anne for two full days. She calls him pedantic and
small-minded. She also complains that Mr. Dussel and Mrs. van Daan continue to criticize her constantly, saying her behavior
indicates a poor upbringing. Anne writes, I suppose its their idea of a good upbringing to always try to set me against my parents,
because that is what they often do. She goes on to say that Mrs. Daan is selfish, cunning, and calculating.
The entry, dated Wednesday, January 13, 1943, reveals that Anne is upset and depressed. She is tired of the war and the cramped
quarters. The bossy Dussel is driving her crazy; she is sick of hearing the planes flying over the Holland skies and dropping bombs;
and she is miserable about the fate of the Jews. She lives in constant fear of being discovered by the Nazis or burned to death if the
office building, with its secret annex, is hit during one of the bombings. Most of all she worries about what is happening at the hands
of Hitler. She writes, It is terrible outside. Day and night more of those miserable people are being dragged off . . . Children coming
home from school find that their parents have disappeared. Women return from shopping to find their homes shut up and their
families gone . . . It has even got so bad in Holland that countless children stop the passer-by and beg for a piece of bread. I could go
on for hours about all the suffering war has brought, but then I would only make myself more dejected. There is nothing we can do
but wait as calmly as we can till the misery comes to an end. Jews and Christians wait, the whole earth waits, and there are many
who wait for death.
Anne admits that she cries a great deal when she is alone. The strange surroundings and circumstances have made her touchy, even
though she tries to cope with her daily existence. Her negative emotions increase as the war draws closer to the annex. She
constantly hears the bombardment just beyond the walls of the building and grows anxious. As she becomes more tense, Anne finds
herself fighting more with her mother. After one heated argument, she writes, The love between us was gone . . . They expected
me to apologize; but this is something I cant do . . . I spoke the truth. Anne writes that the emotions of the group improve when
they hear of the fall of Mussolini, the Fascist dictator of Italy. Once again they have a ray of hope for survival.
Notes
These entries reveal Annes vacillating emotions. She tries to stay cheerful and hopeful, but it is very difficult for many reasons. First,
Dussel arrives to stay in the annex and complicates the teenagers life. She must share her room with him, losing even more of her
privacy. She also finds him to be an irritating and bossy old man who makes her life more miserable. In addition, the Nazis invade
and capture Holland; therefore, there is constant gunfire and bombardment, sometimes just outside the office building where the
annex is located. Also, they hear that more and more Jews are being captured and killed. The close proximity of the fighting and the
loss of so many Jews make everyone in the annex more tense, including Anne. As a result, she finds that she and her mother are
fighting even more. She even states that she feels there is no love left between the two of them. Feeling lonely, scared, and
miserable, Anne still cries frequently; but she tries not to complain excessively about her misery.
In spite of the misery, the Jewish families make some attempt at normalcy. They celebrate birthdays, Chanukah, and Saint Nicolas
Day. They also listen to the radio regularly, always hoping to hear some bit of good news. When they learn that the English are
making advances against the Germans, they all dare to hope there is a chance for the end of the war and freedom; however, their
spirits are always dashed by additional negative news.

It is also amazing that the van Daans and the Franks can still find things to laugh about. Anne tells about the time that a bag of beans
broke upon and spilled down the steps. Anne, at the bottom of the stairs, was caught in the onslaught, and everyone in the annex
had a good laugh. They also found humor in the way that the cranky Mrs. van Daan reacted to Dussels dental examination. These
moments of humor and entertainment did much to relief some of the tension in the cramped annex.
PART IV: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1943 - THURSDAY JANUARY 6, 1944
Summary
In these entries, Anne gives more information about the daily routines, including mealtime and bedtime; she even tells about a
trivial episode involving peeling potatoes. In addition, she criticizes most of the members of the group, especially their eating habits
and their ways of talking. Then feeling bad about her critical nature, she also resolves to try harder to avoid quarrels and arguments
with the others in the annex, especially her mother and sister.
The entry dated September 10 is filled with good news, for Italy has surrendered unconditionally. At first everyone in the annex,
including Anne, is cheerful and hopeful; then when no changes are seen in Holland, things become more gloomy than ever for these
Jews in hiding. It is like they sense some unexplained bad omen. Matters are made worse when Koophuis and Miep, their Dutch
protectors, grow ill and cannot attend to the needs of the Jews as they normally do. Anne is so upset that she begins to take
sedatives to calm her nerves. She writes that the day after taking a pill, she feels more miserable than ever. She states, A good
hearty laugh would help more than ten Valerian pills, but weve almost forgotten how to laugh.
With tension rising in the annex, fighting increases. Another terrible quarrel occurs between Mr. and Mrs. van Daan, which upsets
Anne tremendously. On September 29, she writes, What kind of explosion is hanging over us now? If only I wasnt mixed up so
much with all these rows! If I could get away! She, however, cannot escape and must begin to endure the arguments that now flare
between Mr. van Daan and Dussel. Besides crying herself to sleep, Anne begins to have nightmares. Mr. Frank, sensing that Anne
and the other children are restless and anxious, institutes another study program for them. Anne, hoping to ignore the arguments,
buries herself in her books.
By October 29, Anne has become a ball of nerves. With flagging spirits she wonders if there will ever be an end to the war. She
writes, I wander from one room to another, downstairs and up again, feeling like a songbird whose wings have been clipped and
who is hurling himself in utter darkness against the bars of his cage. In the entry dated November 11, Anne seems to be calmer once
again. She writes, Ode to my Fountain Pen in Memoriam, a poem about losing her pen to the fire and missing it terribly. Her
peacefulness, however, does not last. She tells about Elli, a good friend to all the ladies, not being able to visit in the annex, for she
has been exposed to diphtheria and does not want to risk giving it to any of the Jews in hiding. The nightmares also return. On
November 27, she writes about one of them. I saw her (her friend, Lies) in front of me, clothed in rags, her face thin and worn. Her
eyes were very big and she looked so sadly and reproachfully at me that I could read in her eyes: Oh, Anne, why have you deserted
me! Help, Oh, help me, rescue me from this hell! Anne prays for the safety of her girlfriend.
As St. Nicholas Day approaches for the second time, the group in the annex makes plans and preparations, but it is difficult to
muster any real excitement. Circumstances have turned from bad to worse with resources becoming meager and thinner, and their
spirit dying a slow death which only hope keeps pushing off. Anne then falls ill with the flu, and Dussel has to nurse her back to
health. Since she is well before the holidays, she decides to make fondants for Elli and Miep. She has been saving sugar from her
porridge for several months in order to have an adequate amount to make these treats. It is amazing that Anne can remain so
generous and thoughtful when she has so little. It is also good for her to feel that we havent had such peace in the home for a least
half a year. Although Anne seldom complains in the diary, she does express her longing to again see sunny days outside and to
return to a normal life. She writes, I am simply a young girl badly in need of some rollicking fun. The Chanukah and Saint Nicholas
celebration do, however, give her some bit of diversion. For the most part, however, she is filled with a sense of fear and loneliness.
As she thinks about her deceased grandmother, she writes, A person can be lonely even if he is loved by many people. Although
the words refer to her granny, they also clearly describe Anne herself. Questions about her friend, Lies, also haunt her. She wonders,
Is she still alive? What is she doing? Oh, God, protect her and bring her back to us. (Amazingly, Lies does survive the war, unlike
Anne.)
Notes
The entry on January 2, 1944, is different from all the others. It seems that Anne has reread the pages of her diary and has realized
how much anger and hatred are hidden within its pages, especially against her mother. She tells Kitty that she feels ashamed for
her past bitterness and promises that she is trying harder with her mother. Its true that she doesnt understand me, but I dont
understand her either. She did love me very much and she was tender, but as she landed in so many unpleasant situations through

me, and was nervous and irritable because of worries and difficulties, it is certainly understandable that she snapped at me. . . .The
period when I
caused Mummy to shed tears is over. I have grown wise. Anne is obviously becoming a more mature young lady.
Anne is also finding new outlets for her emotions. She explains in an entry dated January 6, 1944, that she has decided to become
friends with Peter van Daan. Taking the bull by the horns, she goes up to his room to talk to him. Although she has a friendly
conversation with him, she writes, Dont think Im in love with Peter - not a bit of it! She does, however, to have a general interests
in boys.
PART V: JANUARY 7, 1944 - APRIL 15, 1944
Summary
In these entries, Anne reveals her interest in the opposite sex, even acknowledging her own sexuality. She dreams of male movie
stars and imagines herself with them. But of all the boys she has known personally, she says that her favorite is Peter Wessel. Now
far away from him, she yearns that God send him back to her. She dreams of Peter returning and saying to her, Oh, Anne, if I had
only known, I would have come to you long before. Besides dreaming about boys, a typical pastime for any teenage girl, Anne
decides to take up ballet. To relieve her boredom and break the monotony, she practices her dancing diligently, hoping to attain
perfection.
Anne admits that she has undergone some changes. She is more rational and less on the defensive. The other occupants have even
noticed that she is trying harder to get along with everyone in the annex. Most things, however, have not changed amongst these
Jews in hiding. Tension is still extremely high, and the van Daans still quarrel a lot. As always Anne longs to escape the annex; she
dreams of breathing some fresh air and feeling the sunshine on her face, things she will never be able to enjoy again in life.
In an entry dated January 28, 1944, Anne is surprised to realize that she is as accustomed to living in hiding as she used to be to
Daddys bedroom slippers warming in front of the fire. The monotony of her days, broken only by her studies and books, has
become routine for the teenager. Anne does, however, develop a relationship with Peter van Daan, which gives her some relief from
the boredom. She later writes that she notices a feeling of fellowship with Peter, which she has only previously shared with
girlfriends. She even has a conversation with him about sex, which she considers to be an important event and proof of her maturity.
Also in the entry on January 28, Anne tells about the secret European associations, which have worked all during the war to hide and
protect as many Jews as possible. Anne is appreciative of their efforts, but clearly tired of her fearful existence. She later states on
February 3, I have now reached the stage that I dont care much whether I live or die. The world will still keep on turning without
me; what is going to happen, will happen, and anyway its no good to resist . . . I trust to luck and do nothing but work, hoping that all
will end well.
Amazingly, the entries from February 18 forward are more bright and hopeful, largely due to her feelings for Peter. She constantly
finds herself thinking about him and even compares Peter to her own father, concluding that they are both first rate chaps. She
admits that because my life now has an object, and I have something to look forward to, everything has become more pleasant. As
she visits with Peter in his upstairs room, she even notices a lovely chestnut tree and the blue sky filled with birds. She later writes,
As long as this exists and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts, I cannot be unhappy. She adds that
she longs to feel like a lark that sings hymns as it rises toward heaven. Anne is now so occupied with thoughts of and visits with
Peter that she has little time to argue with her mother. Instead, she concentrates on what she and Peter have in common: they are
both Jews in hiding, fearful for their survival; they both struggle with expressing their inner emotions; and they both resent their
mothers. Anne, however, is less quiet and reserved than Peter.
Anne spends time reminiscing about her blissful past before the war. She thinks of her happy schooldays and regrets that they are
gone forever. Realizing how suddenly life can switch, she tries to patch things up with her sister, Margot, even though she worries
that her sister also clamors for Peters attention. She also tries to argue less with the other occupants of the annex, while still
resenting the fact they treat her like such a child. She often wonders, When shall I find peace and rest within myself again?
Anne is finally brave enough to talk to Margot about Peter. Her sister reassures her that Peter is not her sweetheart. Anne is happy
to learn that Margot is not her rival, and their relationship improves further. In contrast to Annes happier mood, the living
conditions in the annex deteriorate. The air raids have increased, causing constant fear amongst all the residents of the annex. In
addition, Koophuis, Miep, and Elli can no longer provide regular supplies, for rations are being strictly enforced and prices are sky
high. As a result, the group literally eats rotten potatoes in order to survive. On April 3, the ever optimistic Anne writes, We are still
alive, and quite often we even enjoy our poor meals.

During a calm period for Anne, she dares to think about her future. Since she loves the Dutch people, she wants to stay in Holland
after the war. She also wants to become an independent woman with a job, not just a housewife and mother. In fact, she expresses
an interest in becoming a writer or a journalist, saying she is a good critic of her own work. She even thinks about publishing her
diary after the war and writes, It would seem quite funny ten years after the war if we Jews were to tell how we lived and what we
ate and talked about here. It is ironic that this book does exactly that.
Anne also tells of her love of history and how she is enjoying tracing her family tree. Her sense of peace, however, is interrupted by a
burglary in the office building, which she describes in detail. The occupants of the annex must hide in silence for hours. All the while,
they are fearful of being discovered as the police investigate, but the faithful Henk, Kraler, and Miep protect them. They escape one
more close encounter. Anne believes that each incident makes her stronger.
Notes
The most obvious aspect of these entries is the process of Annes maturing. She acknowledges her own sexuality and the interest
she has in males. She writes, Im glad after all that the van Daans have a son and not a doughtier; my conquest could never have
been so difficult, so beautiful, so good, if I had not happened to hit on someone of the opposite sex. With these thoughts on her
mind, Anne seeks out Peters company, finds herself happy in his presence, and records the details of their encounters. On March 3,
she writes that she is pretty near to being in love with him. Fearing her sister also cares for Peter, she is mature enough to discuss
the situation with Margot and is relieved to find out that she has no interest in him.
Brightened by her relationship with Peter, Anne tries diligently to control her behavior, struggling to fight less with her mother and
the other occupants of the annex. The residents all notice that she is less emotional and more rational. Anne also tries to be positive
about an end to the war. She even dares to think about her future, deciding she will be a writer or a journalist, not just a housewife
and mother.
Anne reflects on how she has changed in the annex. She remembers that at first she felt that being in hiding was almost like a
vacation. Then resentment set in when she realized she could not escape the cramped quarters or the constant bickering amongst
the occupants. As the war dragged on and the fighting entered Holland, her fear and depression increased. Then she began to
mature, both physically and emotionally, learning how to control her outbursts and emotions. Now Anne tries to be stoic about her
situation. She acknowledges that the happy, carefree existence of her schooldays can never return; she even criticizes her earlier self
as being superficial and empty. She also understands that she can do little to control whether she lives or dies. In the interim, she
tries to notice more about life. She looks out the attic window and notices the chestnut trees and the birds in the blue sky. Although
she longs to go outside herself, she accepts that it is presently impossible. She is also resigned to the pitiful living conditions. Since
rations are being strictly enforced and prices have increased drastically, their Dutch protectors are no longer able to give the group
regular supplies. They often eat rotten potatoes in order to survive. Anne, still trying to be optimistic, says she sometimes enjoys the
meals. It is obvious that she had greatly changed during her two years in the annex. She has become an accepting young woman
rather than a spoiled child.

PART VI: APRIL 16, 1944 - AUGUST 1, 1944

Summary
In an entry dated April 16, Anne gives a detailed description of an exciting event. She has received her first kiss -- from Peter, of
course! Feeling that she is in love, she tries to make the war and the danger fade from her thoughts. She basks in the time she has to
spend with her first real love. Feeling happy for the first time in ages, she writes, I am young and strong and am living a great
adventure. . .I have been given a lot, a happy nature, a great deal of cheerfulness and strength. Every day I feel that I am developing
inwardly, that the liberation is drawing nearer. . . how interesting this adventure is! Why, then should I be in despair? Despite this
cheerfulness, Anne still resents the war. On May 3, she writes, What, oh what is the use of the war? Why cant people live
peacefully together? Why all this destruction?. . .Why should millions be spent daily on the war and yet theres not a penny available
for medical services, artists, and poor people?
As her relationship with Peter intensifies, her relationship with her mother deteriorates. She resents that her daughter spends all her
time with Peter; even her father seems to disapprove of her actions. With resentment, Anne writes, I have now reached the stage
that I can live entirely on my own, without Mummys support or anyone elses for that matter. But it hasnt just happened in a night;
its been a bitter, hard struggle and I have shed many a tear, before I became as independent as I am now.
Anne takes Margots advice to write a letter to her father about her thoughts and feelings, especially about Peter. She tells him that
she regrets he does not approve of her relationship, but she refuses to give it up. After receiving the letter, Mr. Frank has a long talk
with his daughter, and Anne is worried that she has hurt his feelings. She also has other things to worry about. The man who has

faithfully brought them vegetables to eat has been arrested, and she wonders from where the group will get its food. She also hears
that the Dutch people are becoming anti-Semitic, and she wonders if she will be able to stay in Holland after the war is over. She
even questions if perhaps she would be better off if she were dead. On May 26, however, her old optimism returns and she feels
that something will happen to end the war soon.
On June 6, there is good news. The occupants hear that the British forces have reached Holland, and the little group dares to hope
again that they may all outlive the war. They also struggle to maintain some sense of normalcy in their lives, even though they have
now been in the annex for two years. First they have a celebration for Otto Franks birthday; then on June 12, they celebrate Annes
fifteenth birthday, which will be her last.
In the last few entries in the diary, from June 13 to the last one on August 1, Anne writes mostly about the mundane daily events of
her life in the annex and her inner turmoil. In a mature manner, she says that is fighting against her temper and trying hard to be
good. Her last entry, dated August 1, just three days before the annex is raided by the police and she is captured and sent to a
concentration camp, Anne analyzes herself and her situation. She says that her rude behavior has always been a front to cover her
inner fears and her misery in the cramped quarters. She longs to emerge so that she can be herself.
Notes
By the end of Annes entries into her diary, it is obvious that she has changed greatly during the two years in the annex. Having
plenty of time to think and reflect on who she is, Anne now knows herself and what she wants. She even stands up to her father
about her relationship with Peter, but in a mature manner, writing him a letter. Obviously, she has acquired a great deal of selfconfidence during the period of her hideout. She has also learned to control her temper and not speak out so rashly. Additionally,
she is more tolerant of others, judging them less harshly.
Annes writing also undergoes a maturing process. The first entries are much more youthful and less vivid than the later entries. By
the end of the diary, there are descriptive passages and self-introspection that are much more mature than her fifteen years. In fact,
the second half of the diary is a very well written treatise on some very adult ideas. As a result, Annes diary has been read and
studied by young and old alike. It stands as a noble testament to a young girls bravery during a very fearful time in her life.

EPILOGUE TO THE DIARY

Summary
In the Epilogue to the diary, it is revealed that the Franks (including Anne), the van Daans, and Dussel were arrested by the Gestapo
on August 4, 1944, and sent to German concentration camps. Koophuis and Kraler were also arrested for having aided the Jews and
were sent to Westerbork. Mr. Frank, Kraler, and Koophuis were the only ones to survive their interments. Anne died in BergenBelsen in March of 1945, two months before the liberation of Holland. After Annes arrest, the diary was found by Miep and Elli.
After Mr. Frank emerged from the concentration camp and returned to Holland, it was given to him.

THE FINAL OUTCOME

Summary
It was learned that a charman had discovered the secret annex and sold the information to the Nazis for a few coins. Miep and Elli
were in the office during the arrest. Later, Miep tried to rescue them by bribing some officials, but his attempts were useless.
Mr. Koophuis was the first to be released because of medical conditions.
Tragically, the Franks, the van Daans, and Dussel were included on the last shipment of a 1000 Jews from Holland, which departed
on September 4, 1944. They were huddled in a freight train bound for Auschwitz in Poland. At the end of the train journey, the men
were separated from the women; it was the last time for Mr. Frank to see the rest of his family.
Mrs. Frank was detained in Auschwitz. She became mentally unbalanced during her interment and died in Auschwitz.
Anne, Margot, and Mrs. van Daan were interred in Bergen-Belsen, a concentration camp that was infested with typhus.
At Belsen, Anne was reunited with Lies, her girlfriend whom she wrote and worried about in the diary. Unlike Anne, Lies survived the
Belsen camp. She later married and had two children.
Anne, Margot, and Mrs. van Daan all died at Bergen-Belsen, supposedly from typhus.