17th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
The Diary of Anne Frank: Identity Construction Through Narrative
Eilene E. Kuehnle♦
Dr. Alanna Preussner, Faculty Mentor
My project will focus on identity construction through narrative, looking closely at the Diary of Anne Frank. Frank, before she was arrested, began a revision of her diaries for possible publication after the war. By looking at these revisions, one can discern the “self” that Frank wanted to present to the world. Another interesting element is the “self” constructed by her father who served as the first editor of the diaries. Anne Frank’s story is not one that is without hope, as I will demonstrate that Frank used her diaries as an outlet in her difficult situation. Through her Diary Anne was able to develop a motivation and an identity—becoming a writer-- that largely helped her through her hiding experience as well as manifest resistance to the oppressive regime that threatened and ultimately succeeded in destroying her.
Keywords: Diary, Identity, Construction, Narrative, Revision, Audience, Adolesence, Anne Frank
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 46-3
Location: VH 1320
Time: 4:15