Representation Of Anne Frank’s Maturity In Her Diary
Anne Frank’s life was dramatically altered at the age of thirteen when her and her family fled their home in Amsterdam, and was forced to go into hiding during the events of the Holocaust. At the very beginning of the book, Anne is like any other teenage adolescent. Her wits, smarts, and sarcastic attitude match those to a typical teenage girl. However, nearly two years after her family went into hiding, Anne’s experiences have allowed her to change and gradually become more mature overtime.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize the key factors that played a role or influenced Anne in some way. It’s no secret that the Frank family valued education greatly, so it came to no surprise when Anne’s family had managed to continue her education, by providing her with the tools and books that they had available, all while being confided in the tiny Secret Annexe. This is one important factor that influenced Anne’s maturity as she grew in knowledge during her time staying there, as well also learning in how to find entertainment in what she has. “Ordinary people simply don’t know what books mean to us, shut up here. Reading, learning, and the radio are our amusements.”
Anne also grew in maturity of her relationships with others. An example of this is her personal relationship with her Mother. Anne records her frustrations and resentment towards her Mother in her private diary. In an entry titled Friday, 2 April, 1943, she states “They expect me to apologize, but this is something I can’t apologize for because I spoke the truth and Mummy will have to know it sooner or later anyway.”, Anne says. “I seem, and indeed am, indifferent both to Mummy’s tears and Daddy’s looks, because for the first time they are both aware of something which I have always felt.” She goes on to say, “I can only feel sorry for Mummy, who has now had to discover that I have adopted her own attitude.” Here, Anne shows a bit of self-awareness. Still, she allows her stubbornness and harsh attitude get the best of her. Though overtime, Anne begins to understand and consider her family’s feelings by putting herself in their shoes. In a later entry she comes across old letters, and begins to display feelings of shame and regret over her past actions. “…I came across letters dealing with the subject “Mummy” in such a hotheaded way that I was quite shocked… Oh, Anne, how could you!”. Anne is disappointed in her past self as she is now able to recognize that her past behavior towards her mother was wrong, she has now made herself aware of the crucial and harsh reality that their lives could end at any given moment. Anne demonstrates maturity by continuing to work on holding her temper, controlling her argumentative ways, and becoming less judgmental. At times she succeeds, other times she feels herself a failure, but that’s part of the process of growing up.
Anne also displays maturity when she begins to express interest in the opposite sex. She develops an interest in Peter van Daan, whom she first considered to be quiet, shy, and awkward. Overtime, Anne begins to spend more and more time with Peter, insisting however that she sees Peter as a close friend. Though her actions suggests otherwise, as she grows to see Peter in a new romantic light. In an entry she states, “I am so longing for a kiss, the kiss that is so long in coming. I wonder if all the time he (Peter) still regards me as a friend? Am I nothing more?” She follows by saying, “…it looks just as if I’m running after him; I am always the one who goes upstairs, he doesn’t come to me.” Anne’s frequent visits to see Peter, her sadness when he is not present, and her longing to be intimate with him, all indicate that Anne views Peter as more than a friend.
As Anne begins to modify her perspective on life, the issues and feelings she addresses in her diary are also changing. She turns to focus on more important and serious topics. She also learns to accept her present situation, understanding she has little control over it, though remaining optimistic. “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be quite alone with heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.” We get to really see Anne’s maturity shine through in her writing as she expresses herself in a more mature manner in her last few entries.
Overall, Anne has truly demonstrated that her experiences has helped shape the young woman she has become, as well as also learning about the importance of growing up and becoming a different person, while also holding on to what truly matters most.
