Journal Project

Journal #5  One night, while eating dinner, you and your “roommates” hear voices and movements below.  After many agonizing hours of being silent and still, you come to realize that it was a thief, burglar, or criminal.  After the thief has left, you are uncertain if he/she has heard or suspected that you are in hiding in the annex.  Describe what it was like to experience the hours of nervousness and fear. Do you believe that this person knows you are hiding? Why or why not? Describe the thoughts and feelings you experience.

Journal #6  You’re a 13 year old boy/girl who has arrived in Auschwitz. You’ve been separated from your family. You no longer have a name, but a number that was assigned to you, tattooed on your forearm.  You must wake each day at 3 a.m. for roll call and exercises. You stand outside for hours waiting for your number to be called.  It’s winter and very cold. You work all day digging holes and are given one meal a day, which consists of small, stale piece of bread and watery soup.  Describe how you feel? What are your worries? Hopes? How do you deal with the lack of food, weather, and grueling work?  What do you do to survive?  Consider the questions and answer in first person.

Journal #7  Imagine you make a friend at your camp. Describe them. Is it a boy/girl? What does he look like? Describe their personality.  What do you two talk about? Do you share important information?  What activities do you and your friend do to pass the time? How do the two of you handle the Nazi guards? Do you avoid them? Obey them? Outwit them?  What plan have you and your new friend made to ensure you can continue your friendship after you are liberated from the camp?

Journal #8  Anne says that in spite of all she has been through she still believes that people are “really good at heart.”  Considering all she has been through, what do you think about this belief?  IF you were in Anne’s position, do you think you would still have this same belief?  What do you believe? Do you personally believe that people are “really good at heart”? Why? Or why not?  Give specific examples to support your opinion as you answer in first person present.

Journal #9  If the movie version of The Diary of Anne Frank were to be remade today, what actors/actresses would you choose to play each of the roles?  In your journal, make a list matching each of the characters with a modern actor/actress to play each role.  Anne, Mr. Frank, Mrs. Frank, Miep, Margot, Mr. Van Daan, Mrs. Van Daan, Mr. Dussel, Mr. Kraler, Peter

Journal #10  Describe the person in your family that means the most to you.  Mr. Frank is the only person that lives through the ordeal of the concentration camps.  How would you feel if that were you? Would you have any regrets? How would you feel if you could read the diary of the person in your family that means the most to you?  Do you think writing or being able “to go on living even after my death” (Frank, p. 703) is important?