#5 (p. 80-98)

Summary:

In section 5, Anne discusses the intensity of daily life to Kitty, her journal.  The one-year-mark passes by.  When that happens, Anne realizes how much she has adopted to the new situation of living in hiding.  Anne is constantly suspicious of burglars after the Secret Annexe is robbed.  The entire Van Daans and Franks are caught up in the happenings of war, and Italy rejects Fascism.  Overhead, many air strikes take place, frightening all inhabitants.

Vocabulary:

Clandestine (p. 83, paragraph 4): Something done in secret because it is considered improper.

Wanton (p. 84, paragraph 1): Done unjustifiably ("wanton disregard for the law").

Grouser (p. 84, paragraph 3): Complainer.

Barrage (p. 86, paragraph 2): Overwhelming amount of criticism.

Tumult (p. 91, paragraph 2): Uprising.

Discussion Topic:

Is it right to behave in the Darwinism sense, "survival of the fittest", when circumstances are as bad as possible?  Why or why not?

Passage(s):

1) P. 85, paragraph 2:

I was confused.  Anne writes, "... as if it belonged to my younger sister."  Does she have a sister, or is it just hypothetical?

2) P. 94, paragraph 4:

This is a very good description of Mrs. Van Daan, in the biased opinion on Anne.  It shows how Anne can still be humorous in the time of awful despair.

Picture:

I found a very good website, that gives me a better idea of the Secret Annexe.