Think about Mrs. Frank’s words and actions in The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I. Which of the following statements best describes her?

Question

A. She is nervous—quick to snap and nag at the others.
B. She is unworried—lively and cheerful in her manner.
C. She is gentle—trying to make the best of the situation.
D. She is resentful—often blaming small things on the others.
Part B
Which quotation from The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I, best supports the answer to Part A?
A. It’s illegal, then, the ration books? We’ve never done anything illegal.
B. There’s only one thing to do . . . watch carefully. Prevent an illness before it comes. Let me see your tongue.
C. When Mr. Kraler comes, the sun begins to shine. . . . Wouldn’t you like a cup of coffee? . . . Or, better still, will you have supper with us?
D. She pulled away when I leaned down to kiss her. . . . You weren’t like this. You didn’t shut me out.

Answer 1

Part A: The statement that best describes Mrs. Frank is C. She is gentle—trying to make the best of the situation.

Part B: The quotation that best supports this answer is C. “When Mr. Kraler comes, the sun begins to shine. . . . Wouldn’t you like a cup of coffee? . . . Or, better still, will you have supper with us?”

This quotation reflects Mrs. Frank's attempts to maintain a positive atmosphere and her nurturing, gentle nature in a difficult situation.