Comparing Diary Of Anne Frank 'And Shema'

Along with supporting the theme that although there is so much evil and pain in the world, in the end, goodness, virtue, and integrity will succeed, The Diary of Anne Frank and “Shema” share several similarities and differences. The major difference between the two literary texts is the point of view. The Diary of Anne Frank focuses on a more positive outlook of the situation as Anne believes the past two years have just been a tiny portion of their lives and the joyful years they enjoyed before going into hiding will come again. According to the play, “‘It’ll pass, maybe not for hundreds of years, but some day . . . I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.’” This quote reminds readers that Anne has come to the conclusion that although their situation is terrible now, it will become better.

The author states, “Who labors in the mud/Who knows no peace/Who fights for a crust of bread/Who dies at a yes or a no.” These lines show that “Shema” circles around the horrifying secrets of the past, unlike The Diary of Anne Frank, where Anne attempts to cheer Peter up with consoling words about nature and past memories. The poem has such a depressing tone that at the end, the author, Primo Levi, warns the readers that their children will turn their faces away from them and their houses will collapse if they do not heed to the message of the poem. The Diary of Anne Frank portrays a rather optimistic point of view than the hopeless and pessimistic tone of “Shema.” Despite this difference, “Shema” relates to The Diary of Anne Frank as Peter Van Daan possesses a pessimistic voice when it comes to the subject of the conclusion of the war. He is short-tempered and wants to see a change in the world