Directions: Read pages 139 to 172 of The Diary of a Young Girl. Then, write a paragraph in response to the prompt below. Your response should include a topic sentence that establishes a clear, defensible claim, and it must reference at least three pieces of evidence from the text.

Question

Prompt: What rhetorical impact does the image of the songbird make, and what does it say about the role of nature in Anne's life? What role does nature play in Anne's life in the Annex?

Answer 1

In The Diary of a Young Girl, the image of the songbird serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and vitality, reflecting Anne Frank's yearning for a life beyond the confines of the Annex and highlighting the limited role nature plays in her restricted existence. Throughout her diary entries, Anne frequently expresses her longing for the outdoors, noting that "the songbirds are singing louder than ever," which evokes a sense of beauty and the vibrant life outside that she cannot access. This longing for nature becomes more poignant when she writes about the joy she feels when she observes nature through the window; it represents not only a connection to the world beyond her walls but also the innocence and hope that survive despite her harrowing circumstances. Additionally, the mention of the "fresh, green leaves" in spring embodies her desire for renewal and freedom, contrasting sharply with the oppressive atmosphere of the Annex. Ultimately, the image of the songbird underscores how nature serves as a bittersweet reminder of what Anne has lost while also symbolizing her indomitable spirit and hope for a future where she can experience life in its fullness once again.