Themes: Finding Voice
Perhaps the ultimate lesson of this play is the necessity of finding voice. In order to preserve painfully earned wisdom, especially of those who have had the misfortune to live in “interesting” times, it is essential to clothe experiences with words. Through her diary, the thoughts, feelings, and impressions of Anne Frank have been unforgettably shared with the entire world.
Expert Q&A
What does Anne mean in her diary when she says, "Paper is more patient than people?"
In her diary, Anne Frank's statement "Paper is more patient than people" signifies her struggle to express her complex adolescent thoughts and emotions to those around her. Given their confined circumstances, interactions often felt strained, leading Anne to confide in her diary, a neutral and non-judgmental outlet. The diary, unlike her human companions, offered a perfect listener and confidante, providing a space for her to express herself without fear of interruption, feedback, or criticism.
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