This theme probably shouldn’t simply be "warfare," but World War II specifically. The members of the Secret Annex follow the war news religiously via radio broadcasts. There are daily reminders that the country is at war, right down to the food that is available. Everybody’s life throughout the entirety of The Diary of Anne Frank is in constant danger.
Questions About Warfare
- Are Anne’s experiences as a teenager markedly different because of the war? Why or why not?
- Is war the major theme or event in Anne’s life? Why or why not? Would Anne agree with your assessment, or would she offer a different theme/event as the major marker for her life?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Although Anne’s adolescence is spent in hiding, her response to other people is remarkably similar to the way teenagers living normal lives in times of peace respond.
Because Anne’s early teen years are spent in hiding, her experiences, emotions, and reactions to people are markedly different than those of a teenager living in a time of peace.