Question

Why does Anne need to give a brief sketch about her family? Does she treat ‘Kitty’ as an insider or an outsider?

Hint:

When reading diaries or autobiographies, notice how the writer builds relationships with the audience, whether they are real or imagined, as these relationships shape the content and emotional tone of the writing.

Answer 1

In Anne Frank’s "The Diary of a Young Girl", Anne gives a brief sketch of her family to provide Kitty (her diary) with background information about her life before the war and her family’s circumstances. This is an essential part of Anne’s diary because it helps establish the context of her experiences and the relationships she has with the people around her. By sharing these details, Anne makes her diary more personal, allowing readers to understand her family dynamics, their personalities, and the challenges they faced. This sketch is crucial for understanding Anne’s emotional and psychological state, as her family was a constant presence in her life, both in hiding and outside.
As for the question of whether Anne treats ‘Kitty’ as an insider or an outsider, it is clear that Anne sees Kitty as an insider. Anne addresses the diary as a trusted confidant, revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings. Throughout the diary, Anne confides in Kitty as she would with a close friend, making the diary a personal and intimate space for her to express herself. She shares her struggles, her fears, her hopes, and her dreams with Kitty, indicating that she considers the diary an integral part of her life. Kitty is not an outsider in Anne’s world; it is an important source of comfort and reflection for Anne, especially during the difficult times spent in hiding.
In this way, Anne’s brief sketch about her family and the way she treats Kitty as an insider shows her need for emotional connection and a way to cope with the harsh realities of her life. Kitty serves as a safe space for Anne to process her emotions, and by treating it as an insider, she is able to confront and express her fears, frustrations, and desires in a way that brings her some sense of relief and solace.