Unit 2 Writing Task

The characters in the play The Diary of Anne Frank are based on real people who faced the terrifying threat of discovery, arrest, persecution, and death. In this unit, background information about the time period and timeline of historical events provide context for the action of the play.

Drawing on information from the Historical Perspectives feature and the Frank Family and World War II Timeline, write an informative essay addressing the following question:

How are historical events reflected in the play The Diary of Anne Frank?

Conduct brief research to get more information. Cite specific historical events, and explain how the playwrights chose to filter them through the action in key scenes of the play. Explain how outside events affected the moods of the residents of the Secret Annex and their relationships with one another. Conclude your essay with a judgment about how well the playwrights capture the relationship between the outside world of the war and the inside world of the attic.

For a model of a well-crafted informative essay, see the Launch Text, "The Grand Mosque of Paris."

Possible Paragraph Frame/ Sentence Starters

In the play The Diary of Anne Frank, there are _____ main events. First of all, ___(first event)___. Then, ___(next event)___. Finally, ___(last event)___. All of these events are historical events from WWII.

In the play The Diary of Anne Frank, the characters' experiences are closely connected to the historical events of World War II.

By examining the Historical Perspectives feature and the Frank Family and World War II Timeline, it becomes evident that the playwrights have strategically incorporated key historical events into the storyline of the play.

The historical events depicted in The Diary of Anne Frank offer a captivating lens through which we can gain insight into the impact of external circumstances on the residents of the Secret Annex.

Exemplary Response:

In the play The Diary of Anne Frank, the characters are based on real people who faced the terrifying threat of discovery, arrest, persecution, and death during World War II. The play reflects various historical events that occurred during this time period and provides context for the action of the play.

Throughout the play, the playwrights skillfully filter historical events through key scenes to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' experiences. For example, one significant historical event reflected in the play is the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. In the opening scene, the characters discuss the Nazis and the restrictions they face as Jewish citizens. This sets the tone for the entire play and showcases the constant fear and threat they live under.

Additionally, the playwrights highlight the impact of outside events on the moods and relationships of the characters in the Secret Annex. When news of the Allied invasion reaches them, there is a moment of hope and excitement among the residents. This event serves as a turning point in the play, as it temporarily lifts their spirits and strengthens their bonds with one another.

The playwrights effectively capture the relationship between the outside world of the war and the inside world of the attic. Through well-written dialogue and emotional scenes, they demonstrate how the war directly impacts the characters' lives, hopes, and fears. Their struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy while hiding from the dangers of the outside world is depicted with authenticity and empathy.

In conclusion, the play The Diary of Anne Frank seamlessly incorporates historical events into its narrative, providing a powerful exploration of the lived experiences of those who faced Nazi persecution during World War II. The playwrights effectively convey the impact of these events on the characters' moods, relationships, and overall lives. Through their thoughtful portrayal, they successfully capture the complex relationship between the outside world of the war and the confined existence of the characters in the Secret Annex.

Non-Exemplary Response:

The play The Diary of Anne Frank is about real people during World War II. There were a lot of historical events happening at that time. The characters in the play faced a lot of problems. They were scared of being discovered and arrested. Their relationships changed because of the outside events.

The play is based on a true story. It shows how the characters lived in a secret place and how they had to be careful. They talked about the Nazis and the problems they caused. The characters felt hopeful when they heard about the Allied invasion.

The playwrights did a good job showing how the war affected the characters. They were scared and their relationships with each other changed. The play shows the characters' struggles and how they tried to be normal.

In conclusion, the play The Diary of Anne Frank is a good play that shows what happened during World War II. The writers did a good job showing how historical events affected the characters. The characters faced a lot of problems and their relationships changed. The play shows how they tried to live a normal life in a difficult situation.