The Diary of Anne Frank Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Van Hildebrand, Camera Obscura (June 14, 1942)
  • Dutch Sagas and Legends (June 14, 1942)
  • Daisy Goes to the Mountains (June 14, 1942)
  • Cissy van Marxveldt, Joop ter Heul series; The Zaniest Summer (September 21, 1942)
  • Nico van Suchtelen, Eva’s Youth
  • Theodore Korner, Hedwig, The Cousin from Bremin, The Governess, The Green Domino (October 14, 1942)
  • Trygve Gulbranssen, Beyond Sing the Woods (October 20, 1942)
  • Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (October 29, 1942)
  • Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (October 29, 1942)
  • Ina Baker Boudier, A Knock at the Door (March 12, 1943)
  • Charles Dickens (May 16, 1944)
  • Maria Theresa (June 13, 1944)
  • Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband (June 30, 1944)
  • What Do You Think of the Modern Young Girl? (July 15, 1944)

Historical References

  • Winston Churchill’s speech: "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." (November 9, 1942)
  • Princess Elizabeth of York (April 21, 1944)
  • Princess Margaret Rose (April 21, 1944)
  • Prime Minister Gerbrandy (May 11, 1944 – first entry)
  • Galileo Galilei (May 11, 1944 – second entry)
  • The Bible (May 11, 1944 – second entry)
  • Emperor Charles V (May 11, 1944 – second entry)

Pop Culture References

  • Rin Tin Tin