Anne Frank

Anne Frank 1940

"It's difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart." (Anne Frank) This quote, by Anne Frank shows that she is still optimistic about the future. Despite all the horrors she has witnessed, Anne still believes that good will conquer evil. Less than a month after she wrote that passage, she and her family were taken to the concentration camps by the Nazis. Annelies Marie Frank was a 15 year old German Jewish girl born in Frankfort, Germany, but left there with her parents and sister to escape from the Nazis. On May 10, 1940, Germany attacked the Netherlands. The Netherlands officially surrendered and the Nazis gained control. Later on, the Nazis began to hunt down Jews leading Anne and her family into hiding. Anne and her family were hidden by Dutch friends in Amsterdam to avoid being captured by the Nazis. Anne is well-known for keeping a diary during her time in hiding. Anne and her family were in hiding for 2 years in a few attics rooms above her father's office. She and her family were later arrested, captured and sent to a concentration camp in Poland. Anne Frank has the qualities of a true hero. She provides courage and sacrifice, but also has acts as an inspiration with her diary about her life.

Anne had to learn to sacrifice her own life for the life of her people. As Anne and her sister, Margot were leaving their mom to go to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Anne stayed strong as her sister followed her act: "Anne took Margot's arm and helped her forward. A woman standing next to the horrified Mrs. Frank said Anne turned her serene face towards us; then were lead away.'" (Anne Frank Biography) Anne helps Margot move forward as they leave to Bergen-Belsen. Anne is forced to make the sacrifice of leaving her mother behind. Although, it is hard for Anne to leave her mother, she acts hard on the outside, as if everything will be okay. Anne begins to think that her hope for the future is slowly dying: "Yes, I'm still alive, indeed, but don't ask where or how. You wouldn't understand a word, so I will begin by telling you what happened." (Anne Frank) Anne ponders on the thought of being "still alive" in her journal after all of the cruel events have taken place. After the Franks were led into hiding, the Nazis began to hunt down all Jews. Since many Jews had been captured and or killed, Anne is saying she's lucky that she's still alive. After experiencing such tragic situations, Anne has no option but to sacrifice in the good of her name.

Anne writing in her diary at school.

Anne's diary was the inspiration for her legacy. In order to document all of Anne's memories: "On Anne Frank's thirteenth birthday she received a diary, she named it "Kitty" which she liked the best out of all her presents. She loved to write in 'Kitty.'" (Diary of a Young Girl) Anne called her diary, "Kitty" as if it were its own person. She considered her diary to be her companion because she had no other friends to compel with. Anne enjoyed writing to her "friend" about all her inner most thoughts and feelings in her darkest times. Anne's life in the Holocaust became well-known through her diary: "...she became known throughout the world through her eloquent diary, describing the two years she and seven others hid from Nazis in an attic above her father's business office in Amsterdam." (Anne Frank Biography) Anne became well-known for her diary she kept with her while hiding. Every day Anne would write the latest news and updates into her diary for her own safe keeping. Anne's inspirational diary marked her point of view of the holocaust and at most times was her only companion.

Anne put her life at risk and displayed great courage by helping others hide from the Nazis. Anne's attitude during the tough times always stayed positive: "According to a survivor who knew her at the concentration camp, Anne never lost her courage and deep sensitivity. Both Anne and Margot died of typhoid fever at Bergen-Belsen in March 1945." (Anne Frank Biography) Anne seemed to always remain calm and settle no matter what the situation. She fought till the end of her death with courage never looking at the downside of any aspect. Anne wrote in her diary: "I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains". (Anne Frank) This is a quote by Anne Frank, herself meaning although there is war and hatred going on, Anne looks past that and sees the light at the end of the tunnel that is still left and reachable to obtain. Anne believes there is still hope for her own rights in the future. Anne's acts of bravery and courage increased her ambition for her aspiring dream of being free.

Anne Frank serves as a hero because she fought for her rights and learned to make sacrifices for the ones she loved. Anne Frank serves as an inspiration for many because she was always willing to look at the positives of everything and always looked for hope in the future. Today, Anne's diary is accessible and it shows of all the hard times Anne and her family went through and their struggle to survive the cruel battle. Unfortunately, Annelies Marie Frank did not survive, but her legacy lived on. Anne Frank was indeed a true hero and displayed all character pillars that a hero genuinely is. She was courageous because she was always positive in harsh times. She was a leader because she stood up for her rights and learned to make sacrifices. Lastly, Anne Frank was an inspiration for all and serves as a great example to show that we shall not repeat our past.