Optimism In 'The Diary Of Anne Frank'

In The Diary of Anne Frank, I noticed the theme, one must always view others with optimism because one never knows when it will end. Throughout the story, the Franks, Van Daans, and Dussel argued many times. In act one a fight occurred that began to tear them apart, “MR. VAN DAAN. [Restraining himself with difficulty] Why aren't you nice and quiet like your sister Margot? Why do you have to show off all the time? Let me give you a little advice, young lady. Men don't like that kind of thing in a girl. You know that?” (728). They all fight with each other. They don understand that all they have is each other. They’re living in a really rough time and if they continue fighting it will only make it worse. As the story progresses, the more arguments the story brings.

The Franks found out Mr. Van Daan has been stealing food from them, “MRS. FRANK. We're all of us hungry! I see the children getting thinner and thinner. Your own son Peter . . . I've heard him moan in his sleep, he's so hungry. And you come in the night and steal food that should go to them... to the children!” (762). IF only they would reason with each other they wouldn’t make their situation more difficult than it is. Since they always argue, perhaps it encouraged Mr. Van Daan to steal food for himself. Maybe if they could view each other with optimism and positivity then they could come up with solutions to their problems. In the first act, we see Mr. Frank returning to the Secret Annex after the war, “] MIEP. [Hurrying up to a cupboard] Mr. Frank, did you see? There are some of your papers here. [She brings a bundle of papers to him.] We found them in a heap of rubbish on the floor after... after you left. MR. FRANK. Burn them. [He opens his rucksack to put the glove in it.] MIEP. But, Mr. Frank, there are letters, notes .. MR. FRANK. Burn them. All of them”