Question

Close Read: Analyze the Text
Identify the choice that best answers the question.

Read these stage directions from The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I:

A match suddenly flares in the attic. We dimly see Mr. Van Daan. He is getting his bearings. He comes quickly down the stairs, and goes to the cupboard where the food is stored. Again the match flares up, and is as quickly blown out.
The dim figure is seen to steal back up the stairs.

As described in the stage directions and from what you’ve learned about Mr. Van Daan, which sentence best explains his behavior and what it reveals about him?
A. He is sneaking food for himself, which shows that he is greedy and selfish.
B. He is getting a snack for his wife, which shows that he is kind and considerate.
C. He is looking at the prices of the foods, which shows that he is thrifty and prudent.
D. He is figuring out how much food is left, which shows that he is careful and organized.

Answer 1

A. He is sneaking food for himself, which shows that he is greedy and selfish.

The stage directions—sly, dim movement to the food cupboard, the match blown out, and the figure “steal[ing] back up the stairs”—indicate furtive, self-serving behavior consistent with Mr. Van Daan’s characterization as selfish and food-hoarding.