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Hook: Why did the Holocaust involve so much killing?
The Holocaust was one of history's darkest chapters, marked by unprecedented violence and the systematic extermination of six million Jews. Both “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “The Frank Family and WWII Timeline” provide poignant insights into the experiences of Jewish people during this harrowing time. “The Diary of Anne Frank” captures the intimate thoughts and emotions of a young girl hiding from the Nazis, while “The Frank Family and WWII Timeline” offers a broader overview of significant events affecting the Frank family and the Jewish community during World War II. Together, these sources illustrate the profound impact of the Holocaust on individuals and families.
Thesis Statement: This essay will explore how “The Diary of Anne Frank” emphasizes the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters in hiding, while “The Frank Family and WWII Timeline” provides a factual context of the events unfolding during the Holocaust.
(Body Paragraph 1) The play, “The Diary of Anne Frank”
In the play, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” we learn that while Anne and her family are in hiding, they are largely unaware of the full extent of the horrors taking place in the outside world. The tension and fear permeate their daily lives, but the specific atrocities of the Holocaust remain a distant reality for them. For example, Mr. Van Daan expresses disbelief about the severity of the situation, saying, “I don’t realize what is happening outside that should warn me of a thing like that.” This quote underlines the ignorance and denial experienced by some individuals during the Holocaust, highlighting how those in hiding were often cut off from the shocking realities of their circumstances. Additionally, Anne’s reflections on her hopes and dreams in the midst of fear and confinement reveal her inner strength and resilience, contrasting sharply with the grim reality she and her family are facing. Through these examples, “The Diary of Anne Frank” poignantly captures the emotional struggles of those living in constant fear.