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The Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

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Student Question

In The Diary of a Young Girl, what book does Anne read on October 3, and what does it reveal about her?

Quick answer:

On October 3, Anne reads Eva's Youth, which indicates that Anne has entered adolescence and is journeying towards adulthood. She is becoming curious about matters such as menstruation and prostitution, while having a greater understanding of human reproduction than a child.

Expert Answers

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On October 3, Anne shares that she has been reading more "grown-up" books, and is currently reading Eva's Youth by Nico van Suchtelen.

I would argue that this indicates that Anne is transitioning from a girl into a woman and that her understanding of her body, and of the challenges that women face in society, is growing. She explains that Eva thought children "grew on trees" and were plucked off by a stork, and describes Eva's attempt to lay an egg as "funny." This implies that her own knowledge of the reproduction process is far superior.

The book also makes reference to prostitution, and it seems likely that it is the first time that Anne has come across this concept, as she comments that she would find this activity mortifying. Coming across adult concepts for the first time is part of coming of age, and the fact that Anne makes mention of this implies that it took her by surprise.

Another topic covered in Eva's Youth is menstruation, and another indication that Anne is transitioning away from childhood and towards adulthood is her excitement at the thought of getting her period.

The very fact that Anne has a desire to read "grown-up" books tells us that she is curious about adult matters, and that her childhood has drawn to an end.

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