Close Read: Analyze the Text

Question

Identify the choice that best answers the question.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A
In Scene 3 of The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, why does Mrs. Frank order the Van Daans to leave the secret annex?
A. She believes that the Allies will liberate Amsterdam soon.
B. She believes that the Van Daans have betrayed their hiding place.
C. She is furious about what Mr. Van Daan has just been caught doing.
D. She is tired of the petty arguments between Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan.
Part B
Which quotation from The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, best supports the answer to Part A?
A. You should be ashamed of yourself! Talking that way! Think how lucky we are!
B. No. No. I don’t mean to suggest anything wrong. I only wish you wouldn’t expose yourself to criticism. . . .
C. Your own son Peter . . . I’ve heard him moan in his sleep, he’s so hungry. And you come in the night and steal food that should go to them . . . to the children!
D. If my husband had any obligation to you, he’s paid it, over and over. . . . I should have spoken out long ago.

Answer 1

Part A
The most appropriate answer is C. She is furious about what Mr. Van Daan has just been caught doing. In this scene, Mrs. Frank's anger is specifically directed towards Mr. Van Daan after discovering he has been stealing food from the group.

Part B
The quotation that best supports the answer to Part A is C. "Your own son Peter . . . I’ve heard him moan in his sleep, he’s so hungry. And you come in the night and steal food that should go to them . . . to the children!" This quotation illustrates Mrs. Frank’s outrage over Mr. Van Daan's actions and highlights the moral implications of his behavior, directly supporting her decision to order them to leave.