#7 (p. 120-140)

Summary:

In these chapters, Anne feels the effects of hiding.  As previously mentioned, the Van Daans have run out of money.  The Franks and Van Daans divide up, and eat with separate materials.  Christmas passes, and Anne and Margot prepare a surprise.  They made a basket with poems for each person in it.  Anne realizes what it means to come of age.  She considers herself more adult, and looks back on her words with regret, such as the hatred towards her mother.  Anne falls head over heals in *love* with Peter, and doesn't know how to express her feelings.  She does crosswords with him, and fantasizes his touching her cheek even though before she didn't like it.

Vocabulary:

Peal (of laughter) p. 121: ring recurrently.

Lozenge p. 121: small aromatic candy.

Rollicking p. 124: carefree.

Tact p. 129: consideration of dealing with others.

Fatuous p. 129: devoid of intelligence.

Beseeched p. 131: requested earnestly

Patronage p. 132: backing, support.

Brusquely p. 132: in a blunt manner.

Supple p. 136: flexible.

Catty p. 137: ??

Underhandedness p. 139: characteristics of being sneaky.

Afresh p. 140: again.

Discussion Topic:

What do you think of the line, "On top of the world, or in the depths of despair?"

Do you think that you can take back what you said?

Do you agree that time heals wounds?  Why or why not?

Passages:

1) p. 122

Why do you think there is no quarreling?

2) p. 123

What would you feel if put into Anne's position?

3) p. 125

"prewar quality"

4) p. 127

Thought provoking.  Should Anne be allowed to take back her words?

5) p. 130

She becomes less social with more time of isolation.  Do you think this happens to everyone?

Image:

This picture shows the isolation Anne experiences.  I think that the lights also represent her possibilities growing dimmer and dimmer.