Quote 1
MR. FRANK: To be perfectly safe, from eight in the morning until six in the evening we must move only when necessary and then in stockinged feet. We must not speak above a whisper. We must not run any water. (1.2)
Mr. Frank lays down the rules for isolation in the Annex. No talking, moving, farting, etc. The Nazis will find you, and they will kill you.
Quote 2
MR. FRANK: This is the way we must live until it is over, if we are to survive. (1.2)
Come with me if you want to live. Actually, go with Otto Frank. He knows better than the Terminator how to survive a world war.
Quote 3
MR. FRANK: I don't want you to ever go beyond that door. (1.2)
The Annex is completely isolated. Anne has to listen to her dad and never go beyond the door that is hidden behind the bookcase in his former office.
Quote 4
MR. FRANK: It seems strange to say this, that anyone could be happy in a concentration camp. But Anne was happy in the camp in Holland where they first took us. After two years of being shut up in these rooms, she could be out … out in the sunshine and the fresh air that she loved. (2.5)
This just breaks our hearts. To be happy to be in a concentration camp means Anne definitely missed being outside. This sort of puts things in perspective about just how much Anne felt stifled in the Annex.
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
MR. FRANK: The danger has passed… Don't be so terrified, Anne. We're safe. (1.5)
Right—thanks Mr. Frank. We're totally not scared of the Nazis now. But we'll agree with you just this once.
Quote 7
MR. FRANK: I'm sure that God understands shortages. (1.5)
Mr. Frank should save those Hanukah candles. There are supposed to be eight, but the group only has one to use for the menorah. Mr. Frank says that God will understand their particular situation and hand them a free pass.
Quote 8
MR. FRANK: If we wait patiently, I believe that help will come. (2.4)
Mr. Frank, even when danger is staring him right in the face, continues to believe that things will turn out for the best. The Nazis may be knocking down his door, but he refuses to give up.
Quote 9
MR. FRANK: Have we lost all faith? All courage? A moment ago we thought that they'd come for us. We were sure it was the end. But it wasn't the end. We're alive, safe. (1.5)
Mr. Frank tries to rally the troops, who resort to bickering and negative behavior. Keep steady and we'll survive, says he.
Quote 10
MR. FRANK: For the past two years we have lived in fear. Now we can live in hope. (2.4)
And sometimes, the end is just what you've been looking for. When faith fails you, and the bad guys are at your doorstep, hope is your only friend. Otto Frank just slays us with these insightful words of wisdom.
Quote 11
MR. FRANK: No trash must ever be thrown out which might reveal that someone is living here… not even a potato paring. We must burn everything in the stove at night. This is the way we must live until it is over, if we are to survive. (1.2)
Mr. Frank's rules are meant to be followed… if everyone wants to live through this.
Quote 12
MR. FRANK: Always remember this, Anneke. There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind. (1.2)
Mr. Frank's advice on how to escape the isolation and complete dreariness of being cooped up in the Annex makes a lot of sense. Actually, it's pretty fantastic advice for any situation.
Quote 13
MR. FRANK: It's fine to hear you tell me that you love me. But I'd be much happier if you said you loved your mother as well… She needs your help so much… your love… (1.4)
Mr. Frank tells Anne to open her heart to her mother as well. Mrs. Frank is totally bummed her daughter isn't into being with her, especially during such a trying time.
Quote 14
MR. FRANK: There is so little that we parents can do to help our children. We can only try to set a good example… point the way. (1.4)
Mr. Frank wisely tells Anne that he doesn't have all the answers. She's going to have to find her own way to being the person of character he knows she can be.
Quote 15
MR. FRANK: You must build your own character. (1.4)
Mr. Frank encourages Anne to better herself through constant practice. She will have to build upon her emotions and experiences if she wants to be a good person.
Quote 16
MR. FRANK: We don't need the Nazis to destroy us. We're destroying ourselves. (2.3)
Mr. Frank is saddened by the group's in-fighting and arguing. He compares this to how the Nazis treat the Jews.