Anne Frank Kindness Quotes

In 1942 through 1945 the Holocaust was in full swing. This was when Jews were a “disease to humanity” according the Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler. Millions of Jews were killed by many whom you would call evil. However, one 15 year old Jewish girl, Anne Frank believed differently. Anne said this, “ In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart”. Although Anne and her friends and family faced terrible hardships and hatred towards them, she still saw the good in everyone. After reading The Play of The Diary of Anne Frank, I strongly agree with Anne’s prominent quote. One of the main reasons I am siding with this quote is because the kindness shown at the celebration of Hanukkah. However, I do acknowledge that there are

always two sides to any story. With that said, I do understand how some may disagree with Anne’s quote. Many might disagree because of Mr. Van Daan’s rude and cruel behavior during the time they were in hiding.

I saw many acts of kindness throughout the novel, but the character Anne ultimately made me choose to agree.

She created presents for Hanukkah, and constantly had acts of kindness throughout their time in hiding. In the book on page 72 the text states,
“ Anne: It’s hair shampoo. I took all the odd’s and ends of soaps and mixed them with the last of my toilet water.
Mrs Van Daan: Oh Anneke! (She takes off the top, sniffs, then lets the others smell.)”
Their spirits were low, especially when they found out they were running low on resources. Anne lifted sorrows and brought joy back when it was desperately needed. She wanted to help relationships that she had with others like Mrs. Van Daan when she spilled milk on her special coat. Anne’s gesture of kindness repaired relationships. Anne made sure that each present was meaningful to that person. She overall wanted to have a normal celebration even when they were in hiding and wanted to bring joy to everyone. This clearly shows that Anne has a good heart.

However, someone might disagree based on the character, Mr. Van Daan, when he stole food that everyone else thought were mice. They needed this food terribly because they were starving. On page 120-121 the text

states,
“Mrs Frank: He’s stealing the food!
Dussel: You! You give me that!... All along we thought it was the rats.”
Mr. Van Daan stole food when everyone was losing weight because they were running out of food. He was also wanting to use money and have Miep buy him cigarettes. In addition, Mr. Van Daan told his son, Peter to leave along with his cat. All of these actions are beyond rude, but they are all on each others nerves and starving to death. Although his actions may seen cruel and heartless, he needs love and kindness. People all stumble, fall, and make wrong decisions, but we all have kindness. Mr. Van Daan has a kind heart it is just harder to find unlike Anne. I still strongly believe that people are really good at heart.

At the end of the book it was very clear to me how I felt about the famous quote. I am in complete agreeance with Anne’s quote, “ In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” Although some may disagree with me because of Mr. Van Daan’s cruel actions and lack of sympathy, I strongly stand by my decision because of all the kindness the Franks, especially Anne showed throughout the years in hiding. Their amount of kindness and optimism was inspiring, as they were in a time of horror and darkness. I hope no one has to ever face that persecution because of their religion.