July 8–July 12, 1942: Summary

On 8 July, the Franks are forced to go into hiding because Anne’s older sister, Margot, has been summoned by the Nazis in order to be sent to a concentration camp. The family is left with no choice; they pack a few basic possessions into shopping bags, which are then taken to the hiding place by Miep Gies, who worked in Mr. Frank’s office, and her husband Jan. The next day, as they make their way to the hiding place, they put on as many items of clothing as possible. Notably, they also make arrangements for their cat Moortje to be taken care of.

The family walks through the streets of Amsterdam amidst heavy rainfall and finally arrive at the hiding place: a secret annex above Mr. Frank’s office concealed by a plain grey door. Anne and her father set about organizing and tidying the place, while Anne’s mother and Margot, too exhausted to pitch in, lie down on their beds. Although Anne believes she might never feel at “home” in the annex, she puts up the movie star posters and postcards her father remembered to bring to the annex beforehand. It’s worth noting that Anne feels misunderstood by everyone except her father. She longs to be out and about and around other people but knows this will not be possible until the war is over.

July 8–July 12, 1942: Analysis

Anne’s life in the annex is in stark contrast with her earlier carefree life as a teenager. This contrast is also reflected in the diary entries: she no longer writes about her friends or crushes, but talks instead of her relationship with her mother, sister, and father. From this point on, her diary focuses entirely on her life in hiding, which is what makes it an important document on the Holocaust. The diary gives first-hand insight into the lives of Jews under Nazi rule.

Although Anne does not complain about her life in the annex, the details she offers shed light on the dehumanizing aspects of such a life. They cannot cough, listen to the radio, or make any kind of noise. For a teenager, leading such a life would have indeed been challenging.

Anne’s diary is not merely an invaluable historical account; it also documents a young girl’s coming of age.