Question

how do the van daans show their nervesness and fear about being hidden?

Answer 1

If you mean the Van Daans in Anne Frank’s diary/play, they show their nervousness and fear in several clear ways:

- Physical signs: jumpiness, sweating, trembling or restless pacing; they wake easily at noises and listen intently for sounds outside.
- Silence and stealth: moving and speaking in whispers, trying to be ultra-careful so they won’t be heard.
- Hypervigilance and overreaction: they react strongly to any unexpected sound or visitor, assuming the worst.
- Emotional responses: crying, clinging, irritability and short tempers—fear makes them lash out or collapse into tears.
- Blame and bickering: anxiety increases fighting; they pick at one another and argue more than when calm.
- Hoarding and petty behavior: fear about scarcity shows as hoarding food (and Mr. Van Daan’s theft of bread), constant worrying about supplies.
- Nervous habits: smoking, snappish complaining, and preoccupation with mundane comforts (clothes, cigarettes) as a way to soothe anxiety.

If you want, I can point to specific scenes or quotes from the diary/play that illustrate each of these.