The Diary of Anne Frank: Act I Reading Guide
Act I, Scene 1
1. What details about the characters and setting do we learn
in this scene?
2. What do Mr. Frank’s words and the hesitation in his speech
tell you about his feelings? Cite evidence from the story to support
your answer.
5. Explain the schedule that the Franks and Van Daans maintain.
Why must the families maintain different schedules for day and
night?
6. Why did the Franks leave their house in a messy state?
7. Why is Anne forbidden to go downstairs?
3. Why does Miep want Mr. Frank to stay? What events may make
it harder for Mr. Frank to think of Amsterdam as home? Explain.
Act I, Scene 2
1. Who do we learn is in hiding in scene 2?
2. Why do the Franks have to put on so many layers of clothing
when they leave?
3. What are ration books? What will having ration books allow
the Franks to do?
Act I, Scene 3
1. Describe the relationship between Anne and Peter. Cite
evidence from the text to support your analysis.
2. Describe the relationship between Anne and Mrs. Frank. Based
on the way Mrs. Frank was raised, how does this affect their
relationship?
3. How does Mrs. Van Daan feel about the growing relationship
Between Anne and Peter? Why does Peter react so negatively
to his mother’s comments and hints about Anne?
4. How are Miep and Mr. Kraler helping the Franks and Van Daans?
4. What doesn’t change, even though they are in hiding?
5. How is the characters’ situation affecting them? Cite evidence
from the text to support your analysis.
Act I, Scene 5
1. What holiday are the characters celebrating?
6. Why does Anne dislike being compared with Margot?
2. Describe the gifts that Anne gives to everyone. What effect
do Anne’s gifts have on the group’s spirits?
7. What happens when Miep and Mr. Kraler come to visit? How
would this development affect the Franks’ and Van Daans’ situation?
8. Why did Dussel believe he was safe from persecution as a Jew?
Act I, Scene 4
1. Describe what happens at the beginning of scene 4.
2. Why is Mrs. Frank upset and sad after Anne’s dream? Based on
these events, infer and describe the relationship between Anne and
her mother.
3. What insights does the dialogue at the end of scene 4 reveal about
Anne? Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis.
4. What does Anne’s narration at the end of scene 4 tell the audience
about the war?
3. As they are celebrating Hanukkah, what happens?
4. Describe the group’s reaction to what happened. What is
Dussel especially afraid of?