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
Which of the following choices best describes the relationship between Anne and her father in The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I?

A. Anne tries very hard to please Mr. Frank, but he responds with constant criticism.
B. Anne turns to Mr. Frank whenever she is upset, and he knows what to say to comfort her.
C. Anne grows increasingly annoyed by the way that Mr. Frank worries about and fusses over her.
D. Anne loves Mr. Frank, but she hides her feelings because he is so wrapped up in concern for the whole group.
Part B
Which of the following quotations from Act I best supports the answer to Part A?

A. You could not do this and you could not do that. They forced Father out of his business. We had to wear yellow stars. I had to turn in my bike. I couldn't go to a Dutch school any more.
B. It'll be hard, I know. But always remember this, Anneke. There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind . . . remember the battle you had with your mother the other day on the subject of overshoes? . . . Well now, you see, for as long as we are here you will never have to wear overshoes!
C. It's the silence in the nights that frightens me the most. Every time I hear a creak in the house, or a step on the street outside, I'm sure they're coming for us. The days aren't so bad. At least we know that Miep and Mr. Kraler are down there below us in the office. Our protectors, we call them.
D. I'll have to make a confession. Up until now I've managed to stay ahead of you in algebra. Today you caught up with me. We'll leave it to Margot to correct.

Answer 1

Part A

The best answer that describes the relationship between Anne and her father in The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I, is:

C. Anne grows increasingly annoyed by the way that Mr. Frank worries about and fusses over her.

This choice captures the tension in their relationship during a time when Anne is navigating her adolescence and feeling restricted by both the situation they are in and her father's protective nature.

Part B

The quotation that best supports the answer to Part A is:

B. It'll be hard, I know. But always remember this, Anneke. There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind . . . remember the battle you had with your mother the other day on the subject of overshoes? . . . Well now, you see, for as long as we are here you will never have to wear overshoes!

This quotation illustrates Mr. Frank's protective concern for Anne, which aligns with choice C in that Anne is growing increasingly annoyed by this fussing and overprotection. It shows his desire to comfort her and alleviate her fears but also indicates how their relationship dynamics may be straining her ability to express her feelings freely.