The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich: An Inspiration to All  

How would one respond to the most miserable and unpromising situation? In The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, the main character, Anne Frank, is deprived of her freedom and forced to hide in a secret annex. As a Jewish girl living during the Holocaust, she battles through adversity and strife. However, despite her bleak situation, Anne exudes the virtues of optimism, creativity, and determination.

On countless occasions in the play, Anne Frank emanates the virtue of optimism, especially through her kind words and deeds. Minutes before the Gestapo take the secret annex members into custody, Anne and Peter converse with each other for one last time. She is remarkably optimistic and shares insightful thoughts with Peter. Anne explains, “It’ll pass, maybe not for hundreds of years, but someday...I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart”(Goodrich and Hackett 956). This statement corroborates Anne’s optimism because it shows her confidence and hopefulness that the Holocaust will eventually come to an end, regardless of the current, inauspicious circumstances. In addition, Anne’s revelation of finding the good in everybody undoubtedly conveys her positive attitude about life. Although Anne and her family are victims of the sadistic Nazis, she still extraordinarily manages to believe in optimistic perspectives.

Another virtue Anne exudes throughout the play is creativity. After a series of discords and high tensions in the main room, Anne quietly makes her way to Peter’s room. Once again, they share their feelings about hiding in the annex:

Anne: Oh I don’t mean you have to be Orthodox...or believe in heaven and hell and purgatory and things...I just mean some religion...it doesn’t matter what. Just to believe in something!

I think of all that’s out there...the trees...and flowers...and seagulls...when I think of the dearness of you, Peter...and the goodness of the people we know...Mr. Kraler, Miep, Dirk, the vegetable man, all risking their lives for us every day… When I think of these good things, I’m not afraid anymore...I find myself, and God, and I… (Goodrich and Hackett 952)

The profundity of Anne’s words truly encapsulates her creativity. It proves that she has the ability to imagine and believe, which are the two chief factors of creativity. This also indicates that there are no walls, bolts, or locks restricting Anne’s mind, despite the fact that she is confined to small quarters in the annex. She is capable of producing the most original and unusual ideas, especially when it comes to expressing herself to others.

Furthermore, Anne exhibits the virtue of determination, which is a major aspect of her character. In spite of the egregious predicaments Anne faces, she perseveres and continues to grow undeterred. For example, in a heated discussion between Anne and Mrs. Van Daan, she exclaims, “I’m going to be a famous dancer or singer . . . or something wonderful” (Goodrich and Hackett 881). This suggests that Anne will overcome any obstacle to reach her aspirations and passions. She always sets the bar high for herself and is resolute in her goals. Another instance in which Anne emanates the virtue of determination is during an argument between her and Mrs. Frank about visiting Peter. She unwaveringly tells her mother, “I’m sorry, Mother. I’m going to Peter’s room. I’m not going to let Petronella Van Daan spoil our friendship” (Goodrich and Hackett 934). This portrays Anne as an unashamedly ambitious and somewhat adamant person. She becomes so infatuated with Peter that she decides to let nothing get in her way, which even includes her mother. Through these examples, it is evident Anne is determined and persists in her beliefs, feelings, and actions.

Throughout the play, Anne Frank manages to exude the virtues of optimism, creativity, and determination. Despite her execrable situation in the annex, she copes and survives the conditions brought upon her. Although Anne is only a teenager, she shares profound thoughts and beliefs, while remaining optimistic, creative, and determined. She continues to persevere, unfiltered by the obstacles in her way. Evidently, Anne never gives up or gives in to the malicious intentions of the Nazis, but instead serves as a beacon light of hope to those in the most gruesome situations.