Anne Frank received a diary on her thirteenth birthday as a gift. She realised that all her acquaintances and even the members of her family misunderstood her. She had no one to whom she could share her intense personal feelings. Everyone ridiculed her never taking her seriously. So she first turns to her diary as a new friend and a confidant. She gave her a name also and called it ‘Kitty’. She considers it her closest friend and confidant.
Anne realised that everyone in the hiding in the secret annexe was tense, worried and anxious. She didn’t want the already burdened, anxious and overtaxed adults with her problems or concerns. So she turned to her diary for comfort when she couldn’t find it anywhere else. In this way by keeping her innermost thoughts and ideas to herself, Anne displayed an independent mind at a very early age.
Anne found her mother cold, conservative and unresponsive. Margot was very reserved to share her feelings. Mrs. Van Daan was vain and critical. Her father was her role model but the age difference prevented him from talking sex and sexuality. She did find in Peter a companion who was young and could talk openly about sex and sexuality. But still she found Peter timid and immature.
Anne’s constant diary writing enabled her to discover herself. She was passing through puberty and expecting her periods. Physically and mentally she was in the transitional stage. During the period of her diary writing, she matured herself to an incredible degree. Through her diary she could express her concerns, fears, hopes and redemption of the Jews. She craved for freedom and fresh air. Her diary presents not only her personal feelings, the life in the secret annexe but also the general fears and hopes of the Jews.
