(b) What do Mr. Dussel’s words and behavior show about the kind of person he is? Support your analysis with examples of dialogue and stage directions from Scenes 3, 4, and 5.

Answer 1

Mr. Dussel, a character in "The Diary of Anne Frank," embodies traits that reflect his personality and circumstances throughout Scenes 3, 4, and 5. His words and behavior reveal him to be anxious, self-centered, and often pedantic, highlighting the stress and tension of life in hiding.

1. Anxious and Easily Frustrated: Mr. Dussel displays a great deal of anxiety about their situation and the potential dangers that come with being in hiding. His conversations often reflect his worry about discovery and the responsibilities of living in close quarters with others. For example, in Scene 4, when he first arrives, he expresses concern about the noise and its visibility: "You're going to get us all killed!"

2. Self-Centeredness: Dussel often focuses on his own comfort and issues rather than the collective struggle of the group. His dialogue frequently touches on his needs, like when he argues with the others over sharing space and food. In Scene 3, he complains about the lack of privacy, stating, "I can't live with this constant noise. I need quiet to think!" This self-centeredness often frustrates other characters, particularly Anne, who finds his complaints irritating and selfish considering their dire situation.

3. Pedantic Nature: Mr. Dussel’s tendency to belabor points and correct others shows a need for control in an uncontrollable environment. He frequently lectures on the rules of living in hiding, as seen in Scene 5, when he admonishes Anne for being loud, saying, “You must be more careful. There are others who live here!” His pedantic behavior often leaves others feeling criticized and can create tension within the group.

4. Reluctant Comradery: Dussel occasionally tries to engage with the others, but it often comes off as forced or out of obligation rather than genuine connection. His interactions with Anne, for instance, highlight a lack of empathy — when he dismisses her youthful exuberance, showing his inability to relate to younger people amidst the stresses of hiding.

Overall, Mr. Dussel's character is a complex blend of anxiety, self-interest, and a need to impose order on his chaotic surroundings. These traits create a strained dynamic within the group, reflecting the broader tensions of their situation during the war. Through his dialogue and stage directions, we see how a person can react under extreme stress, revealing both vulnerabilities and flaws.