from The Diary of a Young Girl Anne Frank The Human Spirit Unit
Objective(s) Today we will: Analyze characterization of the excerpt from “The Diary of a Young Girl,” by Anne Frank. Compare and contrast types of characterization.
Bell Ringer Why do you feel Anne wrote the following quote: “Is it true…that grown-ups have a more difficult time…than we do?” in regards with dealing with the war? Explain your thoughts.
Before you Read – pg. 439 Literary Focus – Comparing Characterization Reading Skills – Comparing and Contrasting Let’s read from The Diary of a Young Girl, pg. 440-441
Independent Practice First Thoughts Thinking Critically What questions does Anne ask in these diary entries that could still be asked today? What answers would you give to those questions? Thinking Critically In dramatic irony the audience or reader knows something a character does not know. What do we know as we read Anne’s diary that Anne does not know? How does the dramatic irony make you feel? In the first entry, Anne writes, “There’s in people simply an urge to destroy, an urge to kill, to murder and rage…” In the second entry she says that “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” How do you think Ann could reconcile these seemingly contradictory opinions? (Cite evidence from the text in your response.) How do you feel about Anne’s beliefs? Extending Interpretations In her diary, Anne says that “the little man” is as guilty of the war as the politicians and the capitalists. What does she mean? What experiences did she have, according to the play, that might have led her to that conclusion? After reading these excerpts, decide if you thin the play captures the real Anne, or if you think important aspects of Anne’s personality are missing from the character in the play. What can a play do that a diary cannot do? What can a diary tell us that a play cannot tell us? Reading Check Box How does Anne describe herself in the first entry? In the second entry, what reasons does Anne give for keeping her ideals?