In Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl" as adapted by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, Mr. Dussel is portrayed as a complex character whose words and behavior reveal several key aspects of his personality. Throughout Scenes 3, 4, and 5, Dussel's interactions with others in hiding and his reactions to their situations provide insight into his character.
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Self-Centeredness and Nervousness: Mr. Dussel’s initial reaction to moving into the secret annex illustrates his self-centeredness. He is concerned about his own comfort rather than the collective situation of the people already living in hiding. For instance, when Dussel first arrives, he expresses anxiety about the lack of space, as seen in his dialogue reflecting his discomfort. His focus on his own needs comes off as selfish, especially when he immediately starts making demands about the arrangements in the annex.
Example of dialogue: "It’s too small! How can we all fit together?" This reflects his immediate concern for himself instead of showing compassion toward the others, who have already been living under cramped conditions for a long time.
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Insecurity and Tension with Others: Dussel's interactions reveal his insecurity and create tension among the group. His constant worry and complaints about the living conditions make the atmosphere in the annex more stressful. His dialogue often consists of criticisms and pessimistic observations, which clash with Anne's more hopeful outlook. This tension is illustrated in Scenes 3 and 4 where Dussel and Anne bicker over small issues, showcasing his inability to sympathize with a younger person's desire for freedom and normalcy.
Stage directions further support this characterization. For example, when Dussel expresses frustration, he might be pacing or wringing his hands, showcasing his anxiety and inability to cope with the stress of their situation.
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Lack of Empathy: Dussel also struggles with empathy, particularly towards Anne. His dismissive attitude towards her creativity and need for expression reveals a lack of understanding of the emotional toll the confinement is taking on her. He often responds to her attempts at humor or distraction with annoyance or criticism, which indicates that he is more focused on the harsh realities of their situation rather than the psychological needs of those around him.
Example of dialogue: When Anne tries to share a story or joke, Dussel might retort with something along the lines of, "Enough nonsense; we have serious matters to discuss." This highlights how he prioritizes the dire aspects of their existence over moments of levity or connection, further alienating himself from her.
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Survival Instincts: Despite his nagging behavior, Dussel also represents the survival instincts that many must adopt in such extreme circumstances. His pragmatism, while often coming off as critical, reflects a desire to ensure they all adhere strictly to their necessary routines for safety. This behavior suggests that, underneath his irritable exterior, he possesses an underlying pragmatism driven by his will to survive.
In conclusion, Mr. Dussel’s words and behaviors throughout these scenes paint a picture of a character who is anxious, self-centered, and critical, lacking empathy particularly towards the younger members of the group. However, these traits emerge from a deeply embedded survival instinct, revealing the complexities of human behavior in dire situations. His dialogues and the accompanying stage directions serve to highlight these themes and allow audiences to understand his character within the broader context of their tragic circumstances.
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