The Play of the Diary of Anne Frank Act 2, Scene 3

Act 2, Scene 3: Mr van Daan is caught stealing food. Mrs Frank is so upset that she wants to throw out Mr and Mrs van Daan: “We’re all of us hungry. I see the children getting thinner and thinner. Your own son Peter - I’ve heard him moan in his sleep, he’s so hungry. And you come in the night and steal food that should go to them - to the children.” [Mrs Frank]

Act 2, Scene 3: Mrs van Daan blames the food shortages on Mr Dussel, who begins dividing up the remaining food equally. The argument immediately ceases with Miep’s news that the D-Day Invasions have begun in Normandy. This brings everyone together.

Act 2, Scene 3: As much as the mood is lifted, it also darkens with the news that the Police have found the radio that was stolen in the burglery. If the Police trace it back to the thief, he might betray the occupants to get out of trouble.

Act 2, Scene 3: The themes that are explored through the characters and incidents in this scene are: Conflict Betrayal Triumph over Adversity

Questions & Answers: When Mr van Daan is caught stealing bread, the others are extremely angry yet, surprisingly, it is Mrs Frank who is the hardest on him.  Why do you think this is? Mrs Frank cares deeply about the children. Mrs Frank cannot imagine anything lower than for parents to think more about their own survival than that of their children, and be prepared to watch them suffer. Mr Frank says: “We don’t need the Nazis to destroy us. We’re destroying ourselves.”  Why is everyone arguing so much at this point? Tensions are very high because of the shortage of food and anxiety over the burglar. Anne says: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Do you agree with her? Explain. You tell me …