Community Altruism Vs. Self-Preservation In The Diary Of Anne Frank

Community altruism is the act of helping others without expecting anything in return, whereas self-preservation is protecting oneself from conflict. These characteristics are demonstrated in “The Diary of Anne Frank”, a drama directed by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The play takes place during the Holocaust, portraying the diary of a 13 year old, Anne Frank. The Holocaust was an event of which Nazis persecuted religious people, such as the Jewish, resulting in millions of deaths. As a result, Anne Frank, who was Jewish, hid in a secret annex along with other Jewish families. After observing the qualities of self-preservation and community altruism within “The Diary of Anne Frank”, it is clear that community altruism is more important

Essentially, Miep brings cake, resulting in the individuals of the Annex showing their gratitude. For example, Mrs. Frank states, “Thank you, Miepia. You shouldn’t have done it. You must have used all of your sugar ration for weeks.” (Hackett & Goodrich 2.1.88-90). Clearly, the families are grateful to Miep because of her sacrifice of the sugar rations, considering that food is scarce in their current situation. Moreover, benefits of Miep’s act of community altruism includes the relief of the families in the Annex after being able to eat treats, who are constantly worrying about being exposed of hiding. In addition, the families are unable to obtain gifts for Hanukkah, a Jewish tradition, due to severe living conditions. However, Anne Frank provides the people with presents. In particular, she gives her mom permission to let Anne do anything she wishes for ten hours. Mrs. Frank expresses, “This is the most precious gift I’ve ever had!” (Hackett & Goodrich 1.5.1803-1804). Anne Frank’s gifts are a clear demonstration of community altruism because she uses her time to discover rare findings to help her family and friends. Her optimistic actions during Hanukkah assuages the tension thats constantly exhibited within the families of the Annex as well, rather creating a happier atmosphere for the

For instance, Mr. Van Daan, the head of the Van Daan family who resides in the Annex, is caught stealing bread rations among the household. As a result, Mrs. Frank rants to Mr. Van Daan, “We’re all of us hungry! I see the children getting thinner and thinner.” (Hackett & Goodrich 2.3.858-859). In other words, Mr. Van Daan’s selfishness leads to the increased starvation of the children in the Annex. Evidently, this is an example of self preservation because Mr. Van Daan provides for himself by eating the rare rations within the Annex, although the rations are meant to provide for several children and adults. To further explain the negativity of self preservation, Anne’s roommate, Dussel, fakes a cat allergy due to his dislike of pets. However, Peter, whose living in the Annex, exposes Dussel’s facade with a joke. Mr. Van Daan says, “Don’t worry. You won’t be bothered any more. We’re getting rid of it.” (Hackett & Goodrich 1.5.1917-1918). To further explain, Dussel and Mr. Van Daan’s shared dislike of Mouschi, the cat, leads to him being kicked out of the Annex, possibly leading him to his death. However, their expedient attempt to get rid of Mouschi to ameliorate the amount of food leads to an abiding consequence, such as unknowingly allowing rats to eat their food and cause further conflicts regarding the remaining food rations. This consequence occurs