Quotes

Quote 1

Our thoughts are subject to as little change as we are. They’re like a merry-go-round, turning from the Jews to food, from food to politics. By the way, speaking of Jews, I saw two yesterday when I was peeking through the curtains. I felt as though I were gazing at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It gave me such a funny feeling, as if I’d denounced them to the authorities and was now spying on their misfortune.

(December 13, 1942) (Anne)

Analysis:

This passage was written on December 13, 1942. It was seemingly inspired by a scene Anne witnesses through her window. That the residents’ conversations always veered back to politics conveys how mundane their lives were, and how the war was an ever-present reality. The second part of the passage highlights the guilt that Anne often felt at being safe and in a much better place than most of her acquaintances. Although she feels suffocated and depressed at times, Anne never forgets how fortunate and lucky she is compared to many other Jews.

Quote 2

I see the eight of us in the Annex as if we were a patch of blue sky surrounded by menacing black clouds. The perfectly round spot on which we’re standing is still safe, but the clouds are moving in on us, and the ring between us and the approaching danger is being pulled tighter and tighter. We’re surrounded by darkness and danger, and in our desperate search for a way out we keep bumping into each other.

(November 8, 1943) (Anne)

Analysis

This passage was written on November 8, 1943, having spent a little more than a year in the secret annex. Via this passage, Anne expresses one of the worst aspects of life in hiding: fear. Using the imagery of nature, Anne vividly explains the ever-present danger, the fear of being discovered and sent to concentration camps. It is this fear that makes any attempt at “peace and quiet” impossible.

Quote 3

It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death.

(July 15, 1944) (Anne)

Analysis

One of the most popular quotes, this was written on July 15, 1944, a month before the family was discovered and sent to the camps. This poignant passage shows how Anne was determined to stay optimistic even in the face of such misery. She refused to become a sceptic: instead she wants to focus on the goodness and bravery of those who chose to help the family. At the young age of 15, Anne was very insightful and mature. She did not let the injustice around her dampen her spirits.