Essay Example about Anne Frank Challenges

According to Britannica, The Holocaust was a tragic genocide that took the lives of 6 million Jews. Anne Frank was an unfortunate victim of this matter. She kept track of everything going on in hiding during the Nazi invasion in her diary which was later modified into a play called The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacket. In the story, Anne’s family went into hiding along with another family and a man named Mr. Dussel. She was only a young girl and there was a great deal of development in her character during the time spent in hiding. Through her time in isolation, Anne changes by becoming more considerate, responsible, and hopeful which proves that difficult times can positively affect someone’s growth. 

To begin, Anne is careless toward others at the start of the story. In time, Anne grows more considerate compared to her previous self. At the beginning of the story,  Anne goofed around and tried to lighten the mood. She thought it would make the circumstance enjoyable and easy but everyone else in the hiding place did not think so. Anne played a joke by stealing Mr. Van Daan’s cigar and he had said, “You’re the most aggravating . . .The trouble with you is, you’ve been spoiled,” (37). He was very angry that she had been messing around with everyone and their belongings. Anne was unbothered by all of this until she noticed that the group was angry with her. She later discovered that she can do something to help alleviate the struggles and make everyone feel special. So, on Hanukkah in the Secret Annex, Anne made the other members gifts. 

“ANNE: …I’ve got something.. She rushes into her room, hurriedly puts on a little hat improvised from the lampshade, grabs a satchel bulging with parcels, and comes running back.

MRS. FRANK: What is it?

ANNE: Presents!” (62).

Everyone was surprised that Anne had thought about all of them and made them feel special during the Holiday. This demonstrates that Anne's growth allowed her to be more mindful during her stay in the annex and tried to make the situation better.  People can also take into mind that they can be helpful when messing up. Anne matured greatly during this conflict. 

To add on, Anne’s maturity over the years grew rapidly when she realized what her role was in life. In hiding, Anne had learned to become more responsible. In her first days in insolation, she was immature and played pranks on people. 

“PETER: Have you seen my shoes?

ANNE: innocently Your shoes?

PETER: You’ve taken them haven’t you” (26)

Anne took Peter's shoes and ran around the Annex with them, angering Peter. This created more stress, anger, and suffering. Eventually, Anne started becoming serious and began thinking about her future. She grew from being a little girl and wanting just to have fun and play around and concluded that she wanted to use her skills and happiness with writing and become a journalist. Anne states, “I think more seriously about life now. I want to be a journalist” (98).  Playing around didn’t get her anywhere and she started thinking about what might happen if she got out of the Annex. Everyone can overcome adversity and focus on their aspirations for the future. 

Finally, Anne learned to be hopeful in hiding. By becoming responsible and considerate, Anne transformed into a very optimistic person. At first, everyone was down about what was going on, especially when Anne figured out what being in hiding meant. In the annex, Anne was excited to write in her new diary but she soon realized that she couldn’t grab a pen from downstairs. Anne was responding to her father, “(sobered ). Never . . . ? Not even at nighttime, when everyone is gone? Or on Sundays? Can’t I go down to listen to the radio?” (22)

This caused her to feel discouraged towards her new “home”.  She lost happiness towards hiding but she stayed hopeful for a future. Even though Anne was in hiding for many years she didn’t feel resentment toward anyone. Later on, she became hopeful about people changing and growing. Anne had written in her diary, “In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” (122). While knowing that there wasn’t much left for her and her family, Anne still retained an encouraging attitude. Anne Frank showed that even in the darkest moments of life, people can still evolve into being more promising.

In conclusion, the challenges that Anne faced, resulted in her evolving into a more considerate, responsible, and hopeful person, which shows that people can positively grow in a harsh environment. Anne’s words have impacted the lives of many people and will continue to do so.  She proved that during the worst moment of life one can still retain a positive outlook.