How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
MRS. VAN DAAN: Something's happened to them. (1.2)
Right away, Mrs. Van Daan proves she's a worrier. She's got pretty good justification too. The Green Police could've easily picked up Anne's family on their walk over to the Annex.
Quote #2
ANNE: They'll arrest you if you go out without your star. (1.2)
Jewish boys and girls were afraid to go out without the mandatory Star of David sewn into their clothes. Anne's so used to being afraid that it takes a while for her to remember she's hiding and doesn't have to wear it anymore.
Quote #3
ANNE: Every time I hear a creak in the house, or a step on the street outside, I'm sure they're coming for us. (1.2)
It's gut-wrenching panic, every single minute of every single day. Anne's terrified that the Nazis will come and take her away.
Quote #4
MRS. FRANK: I'm not afraid that anyone is going to walk all over you, Anne. I'm afraid for other people, that you'll walk on them. (1.3)
Mrs. Frank fears that her daughter won't mature enough to realize how she treats others. Have no fear Mrs. F., Anne may be slow to get there, but she's truly one of a kind.
Quote #5
MR. FRANK: Peter's brave. He doesn't mind. (1.3)
Peter doesn't mind being in the attic with the occasional rat. He's got his cat Mouschi to protect him.
Quote #6
ANNE: But you don't know how important it can get to be… especially when you're frightened. (1.3)
Anne relates the daily schedule to Mr. Dussel. She tells him when he can use the bathroom and all that good stuff. Something as simple as scheduling can help to alleviate some of the fear.
Quote #7
ANNE'S VOICE: Mr. Dussel wants to get back to his dentist's drill. He's afraid he's losing his touch. (1.4)
Actually, Mr. Dussel's probably more afraid he'll never get to be a dentist again.
Quote #8
there is a sudden crash of something falling below. They all freeze in horror, motionless. straining to hear. (1.5)
Sounds from down below in the empty office make everyone nearly wet their pants. Is it the Nazis, the Green Police, or even something worse?
Quote #9
ANNE: I'm a terrible coward… I think I've conquered my fear… I think I'm really grown up… and then something happens… and I run to you like a baby. (1.4)
Anne's confession to her father about being afraid of the Nazis has us almost in tears. Conquering our fears is just one of the ways we have to grow up. Hers seems singularly understandable, though.