Themes aren’t just found in literature. From charity raffles to cat videos—from room decorations to phone backgrounds—many events and items have an underlying theme. That is, they use words and images to express or promote a bigger message: Help others! Cats rule! This idea is often repeated numerous times and in different ways to reinforce the message.
One place to find themes these days is in how children’s rooms are decorated. You can see this for yourself in the images in this room:
Themes in personal accounts, such as diaries, are central ideas of importance that occur frequently throughout the text. While writers of diaries have the leeway to directly state what’s most important to them, they also use anecdotes to show, rather than tell, what’s on their minds.
Use the tabs below to study some of the anecdotes in the diary entries you just read. Consider how each anecdote helps develop a theme.
Because her diary is secret, Anne feels free to tell both the good and the bad about the van Daans. Her anecdotes paint a much more realistic picture of this family than simple descriptions could.
Reread the diary entry for October 1, 1942. In this entry, Anne shares one of several anecdotes about Mrs. van Daan’s behavior toward Anne and her family. Past anecdotes show that Mrs. van Daan bosses Anne around, tries to tell the Franks how to raise their children, tells funny stories, and criticizes Anne frequently.
Question
Considering all the anecdotes Anne has recounted about Mrs. van Daan so far, what theme, or underlying message, keeps appearing in these stories?
At first, Anne is quite negative toward Peter van Daan. She says he is lazy and foolish, and she doesn’t think much of him. However, based on her most recent stories about Peter, Anne’s view may be changing.
Review the October 1 and November 9 diary entries, particularly the parts that relate anecdotes about Peter. Then see if you can answer this question.
Question
What theme is Anne developing about Peter in these stories?
Before going into hiding, Anne relates very few clashes with her parents. However, after entering the Secret Annex, Anne tells how she despises her mother and loves her father. She relates several anecdotes about the clashes she has with her mother in particular.
Reread the October 3 and November 5 diary entries. As you read, consider what stories Anne decides to include about her mother and how Anne feels about her.
Question
Based on the anecdotes Anne tells about her interactions with her mother, what theme is Anne shaping about this topic?
