How important is the diary of Anne Frank?
There are several reasons why the Diary is considered important as a historical document: first, it was written contemporaneously with the events – an eyewitness account. It’s not a history book that was written 5-10 years later. It was written as things were happening to Anne, in the first person. It’s real and it’s serious, but it’s also human. A second reason for its value is that it is a great educational tool. Because it was written by a young girl who was experiencing all these things, it was written in teen-age language. That made it much more appealing as a teaching tool for teenagers and others now – it’s not writen with adult words and concepts. It has ideas that other teenagers can see as familiar. It talks to teens at their level. Finally,and most important, it’s a good story. It’s honest and true, but it tells an interesting story of survival during a terrible period in world history. So if for no other reason, it’s a good read.
