Introduction to Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

Quarter 4

Lesson 1

IHistorical contextIntroduction to Anne Frank

Bellwork

The Diary of Anne Frank: Historical Context

Answer the following assignment on Schoology: Previous Knowledge Work individually

Objective: Become familiar with the life and times of Anne Frank, as well as her legacy. Understand the themes behind The Diary of Anne Frank Empathize with feelings of those who have been imprisoned or forced into hiding To identify human rights and human rights abuses.

The Nazi Revolution (1933-1939):

The Treaty of Versailles (1919):

Hitler’s “Final Solution” (1941)

Anti Semitism:

• Nazi’s benefitted from rise of inflation, economic depression and unemployment in the current “Weimar Republic”• Big campaign that sought support for their economic strategy and their designated scapegoats--the jews and the Marxists (communists)—for their betrayal during WWI.

• Terms of the treaty caused anger, hate.
• Key enabling factor for Hitler’s Rise to Power.

• Violence against Jews under the Nazi regime was already present but not widespread.

• In 1941, the Nazis opted for a radical plan to finally eradicate all Jews. Their murder was now ‘justified’.

• Definition: hostility to, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews
• Term existed way before WWII.

The Holocaust

• Known as the WWII genocide of Jews in German-occupied Europe.
• 6 Million Jews were murdered as part of “progroms” (mass shootings), concentration camps, gas chambers, etc.

• Jews were forced to wear identifying badges (The Star of David) in Nazi Germany. Nazi propaganda would often say that whoever wore this badge “was the enemy of [their] people.”

Timeline

Who is who

Anne Frank:

Margot Frank:

• The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank, Anne is a lively, curious girl of thirteen at the beginning of the play.
• She remains optimistic throughout the months they are in hiding and always makes the best of the situation she is in. As her diary reveals, she is very introspective and creative and has a vivid imagination.

Edith Frank:

Otto Frank:

• Anne’s older sister, Margot is much more like her mother than Anne.
• She is quiet, modest, and reserved: the complete opposite of Anne.

• Anne’s reserved and nervous mother, Mrs. Frank loves Anne, but she wishes she were more proper and polite, like her sister Margot.

• Anne’s polite and practical father, Mr. Frank is the head of the “attic family.”
• His calmness and patience are an asset in the cramped attic and a comfort to Anne.

• Putti Van Daan: An irritable former business partner of Mr. Frank, Mr. Van Daan’s family is invited to stay in the attic with the Franks. He is selfish and openly critical of others, especially Anne.
• Petronella Van Daan: Mr. Van Daan’s vain and finicky wife, Mrs. Van Daan prizes the material things of life, including a fur coat she brought to the attic with her. These traits all make her the center of much of the conflict in the attic.
• Peter Van Daan: The son of Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, Peter is a shy, quiet teenage boy. He soon becomes a friend and confidant for Anne.
• Jan Dussell: Difficult to get along with, Mr. Dussell joins the Franks and the Van Daans after they have been in hiding for about two months.
• Miep: A very well-liked, generous secretary in Mr. Frank’s office, Miep helps to protect the families in hiding.
• Mr. Kraler: A businessman who works with Miep to help protect the people in hiding, Mr. Kraler risks his life to help his friends

Why is her diary so important?

Anne's diary has become a universal symbol of hope in the face of adversity.• Anne Frank and her little red notebook “has become a testament to the power of words to challenge oppression” (Amnesty International, 2018). • “The victory of the democratic forces in South Africa is a contribution to this worldwide effort to rid humanity of the evil of racism. It is Anne Frank’s victory. It is an achievement of humanity as a whole” (Nelson Mandela, 1994).

Themes to remember:

• Isolation (physical and mental)• Coming of Age • Ordinary people can be heroes (courage) • Hope • The impact of ideas (negative or positive)

Classwork

The Diary of Anne Frank: Historical Context

Answer the following assignment on Schoology: 27.1 Pre Reading Activity Work individually