From the Diary of Anne Frank — Class 10 English
First Flight · Chapter 4
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Chapter summary
The story in steps
- Anne says she has loving parents and many people around her, yet she feels lonely and wants a true friend.
- She decides to write in her diary, names it Kitty, and explains why she trusts it with her thoughts.
- Anne tells about her family, her birth in Frankfurt, and how her family goes to Holland after Hitler rises.
- She writes about her grandmother's death, life with her parents and sister, and starting at the Jewish Secondary School.
- Anne describes how she talks a lot in class, and Mr Keesing gives her extra homework as punishment.
- She writes clever essays on chatter, then a funny poem about a duck family, and Mr Keesing stops punishing her.
Key ideas & terms
- Anne Frank
- A young Jewish girl whose wartime diary became world-famous.
- Kitty
- The name Anne gives to her diary, treating it as a friend.
- Mr Keesing
- Anne’s strict maths teacher who punished her talkativeness.
- A Chatterbox
- The essay topic Mr Keesing set as punishment for Anne.
- Loneliness
- Anne’s deep sense of isolation despite having company.
- Diary
- Anne’s confidant, recording her thoughts during hiding.
शब्दार्थ · Word meanings
- confide
- tell personal secrets trustfully
- outpourings
- strong free expression of feelings
- brooding
- thinking sadly for long
- emigrated
- went to live in another country
- dictate
- say words for others to write
- incorrigible
- impossible to सुधार or control
- assignment
- task given as schoolwork
- quack
- duck's loud cry
- swan
- a large white water bird
- stifled
- suppressed; stopped from being expressed
Extra questions & answers
Why did Anne Frank keep a diary?
She felt lonely and had no true friend in whom she could confide, so she treated her diary, “Kitty,” as a friend who would hear her deepest thoughts.
Why did Anne think no one would be interested in her diary?
Because she was a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl, and she felt that the reflections of a young girl would not interest anyone.
How did Mr Keesing punish Anne, and how did she respond?
He made her write essays on being a chatterbox; Anne wrote clever, humorous arguments defending talking, including a comic poem that finally amused him.
What does the extract reveal about Anne’s character?
It shows her honesty, intelligence, wit, sensitivity and loneliness, as well as her courage in facing a difficult life with humour.
What does Anne write about paper and people?
She writes that paper has more patience than people, which is why she pours her deepest thoughts into her diary instead of confiding in others.
Why does Anne feel friendless despite having family and friends?
She is surrounded by people who love her, yet feels that no one truly understands her, so she is inwardly lonely and turns to her diary as a confidant.
What background does Anne record before writing about school?
She briefly notes details of her birth, her parents and how her Jewish family came to live in Holland, before turning to her school life.
Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne, and what did he do?
Because she talked too much in class; as punishment he made her write essays defending her habit of talking.
How did Anne defend talking in her essays?
She argued wittily that talking is a student’s trait and that she had inherited it from her talkative mother, and finally wrote a humorous poem on the subject.
How did Mr Keesing finally respond to Anne’s essays?
Amused by her clever poem, he took the joke in good spirit, allowed her to talk and stopped setting her extra assignments.
Page 49 — Activity 1: Types of personal records
Match Journal, Diary, Log and Memoir(s) with their descriptions.
Journal — a full record of a journey, period or event, written every day; Diary — a book in which thoughts, feelings and daily happenings are recorded; Log — an official record of events with times and dates; Memoir(s) — a record of a person's own life and experiences.
Page 49 — Activity 2: Identify the type of record
I woke up very late today and promptly got a scolding from Mum! I can't help it — how can I miss the FIFA World Cup matches?
Diary, because it records a personal daily event along with the writer's feelings.
10:30 a.m. Went to the office of the Director; 01:00 p.m. Had lunch with Chairman; 05:45 p.m. Received Rahul at the airport; 09:30 p.m. Dinner at home.
Log, because it records events according to exact times.
The ride to Ooty was uneventful... From Ooty we went on to Bangalore. What a contrast! The noise and pollution of this once-beautiful city really broke my heart.
Journal, because it gives a day-by-day account of a journey and includes personal observations.
This is how Raj Kapoor found me... He cast me on the spot. The rest, as they say, is history!
Memoir, because it recalls an important incident from the writer's past life.
Page 51 — Oral Comprehension Check 1
What makes writing in a diary a strange experience for Anne Frank?
It feels strange because Anne has never written anything before and doubts that anyone will later be interested in the thoughts of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl.
Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
She wants to express the thoughts and feelings she cannot share freely with people and to get many things off her chest.
Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?
Although she has family and many acquaintances, she lacks a true friend with whom she can discuss personal matters. She believes paper is patient and will keep her secrets.
Page 51 — Oral Comprehension Check 2
Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her life?
She gives a short account of her life so that Kitty can understand the people and events she will mention later in the diary.
What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother?
Anne says that she often thinks of her grandmother, still loves her deeply and lights a candle for her during the 1942 birthday celebration.
Pages 52–54 — Oral Comprehension Check 3
Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne? What did he ask her to do?
Mr Keesing was annoyed because Anne talked constantly in class. He first asked her to write an essay titled "A Chatterbox" as extra homework.
How did Anne justify her being a chatterbox in her essay?
She argued that talking is a natural student trait, that she would try to control it and that she had inherited the habit from her talkative mother.
Do you think Mr Keesing was a strict teacher?
He was strict about classroom discipline, but he was not harsh or unfair. He appreciated humour, laughed at Anne's arguments and later accepted her poem in the right spirit.
What made Mr Keesing allow Anne to talk in class?
Anne's humorous poem about a mother duck, a father swan and noisy ducklings amused him. He understood the joke and stopped giving her extra homework.
Page 54 — Thinking about the Text
Was Anne right when she said that the world would not be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old girl?
No. Her diary became widely read because her honest, lively and thoughtful observations give readers a powerful view of a young girl's mind and life.
Compare Anne's diary with the sample diary or journal entries in "Before You Read". What language was the diary originally written in? In what way is Anne's diary different?
The sample entries mainly record events briefly, while Anne's writing explores her feelings, opinions, relationships and reflections in a personal, conversational style. Her diary was originally written in Dutch.
Why does Anne need to give a brief sketch about her family? Does she treat Kitty as an insider or an outsider?
She introduces her family so Kitty can follow later references without confusion. She treats Kitty as an insider and trusted friend, though she first supplies background information because Kitty is new to her life story.
How does Anne feel about her father, her grandmother, Mrs Kuperus and Mr Keesing? What do these feelings tell you about her?
She adores her father, remembers her grandmother with deep affection, feels emotional gratitude toward Mrs Kuperus and responds to Mr Keesing with wit rather than bitterness. These feelings show that she is loving, observant, sensitive and humorous.
What does Anne write in her first essay?
She writes that talking is a student's natural trait, promises to try to control it and humorously claims that she cannot completely cure it because she inherited it from her mother.
Anne says teachers are most unpredictable. Is Mr Keesing unpredictable? How?
Yes. At first he repeatedly punishes Anne for talking, but after enjoying her humorous poem, he changes his attitude, reads it to several classes and permits her to talk without further punishment.
What does the statement "We don't seem to be able to get any closer... Maybe it's my fault that we don't confide in each other" tell you about Anne?
It shows that Anne is lonely, self-aware and honest enough to consider her own responsibility for the lack of emotional closeness in her friendships.
What does the statement "I don't want to jot down the facts... but I want the diary to be my friend" tell you about Anne?
It shows that she seeks emotional companionship rather than a mere record of events and has a vivid imagination that allows her to personify the diary as Kitty.
What does the phrase about being "plunked down on the table as a birthday present for Margot" tell you about Anne?
It reveals her playful sense of humour and her ability to describe family events in an amusing, lively way.
What does Anne's comment that many classmates are "dummies" and teachers are unpredictable tell you about her?
It shows that she is outspoken, confident, sharp in her judgments and willing to express her opinions frankly.
What does Anne's comment about needing convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking tell you about her?
It shows that she is intelligent, inventive and determined to turn a punishment into an opportunity to defend herself logically.
Page 55 — Thinking about Language I: Compound words
Match the compound words with their meanings.
Heartbreaking — producing great sadness; Homesick — missing home and family very much; Blockhead — an informal word meaning a very stupid person; Law-abiding — obeying and respecting the law; Overdo — do something to an excessive degree; Daydream — think about pleasant things while forgetting the present; Breakdown — an occasion when a vehicle or machine stops working; Output — something produced by a person, machine or organisation.
Use "heartbreaking" in a sentence.
The farewell between Anne and Mrs Kuperus was heartbreaking.
Use "homesick" in a sentence.
Rina felt homesick during her first week at the hostel.
Use "blockhead" in a sentence.
Calling someone a blockhead is rude and should be avoided.
Use "law-abiding" in a sentence.
A law-abiding citizen follows public rules responsibly.
Use "overdo" in a sentence.
Do not overdo your exercise before an important match.
Use "daydream" in a sentence.
I sometimes daydream about travelling across the mountains.
Use "breakdown" in a sentence.
A sudden bus breakdown delayed our journey.
Use "output" in a sentence.
The factory increased its daily output this month.
Pages 55–56 — Thinking about Language II: Phrasal verbs
What does "plunge right in" mean?
It means to begin speaking or writing immediately without giving background information.
What does "kept back" mean?
It means not promoted to the next class or grade.
What does "ramble on" mean?
It means to speak or write at length without a clear focus.
What does "get along with" mean?
It means to have a friendly or satisfactory relationship with someone.
Match "plunge in" with its meaning.
Go straight to the topic.
Match "kept back" with its meaning.
Not promoted.
Match "move up" with its meaning.
Go to the next grade.
Match "ramble on" with its meaning.
Speak or write without focus.
Match "get along with" with its meaning.
Have a good relationship with.
Match "calm down" with its meaning.
Make someone become quiet or less agitated.
Match "stay in" with its meaning.
Remain indoors.
Match "make up for" with its meaning.
Compensate for something.
Match "hand in" with its meaning.
Submit an assignment to a person in authority, such as a teacher.
Pages 56–57 — Thinking about Language III: Idioms
What does "quaking in its boots" mean?
It means trembling with fear or nervousness.
What does "not to lose heart" mean?
It means not to become discouraged or give up hope.
What does "for ages" mean in "Mr Keesing was annoyed with me for ages"?
It means for a very long time.
What does "the joke was on him" mean?
It means that the person who intended to tease someone else becomes the one who is outwitted or laughed at.
Use "caught my eye" in a sentence.
The bright cover of the notebook caught my eye.
Use "he'd had enough" in a sentence.
After repeated interruptions, the teacher felt he'd had enough.
Use "laugh ourselves silly" in a sentence.
We laughed ourselves silly while watching the comic play.
Use "can't bring myself to" in a sentence.
I can't bring myself to throw away my childhood letters.
Page 57 — Thinking about Language IV: Dictionary use
Under which word would you look for the expression "caught my eye" in a dictionary?
Look under "catch", the base form of "caught", because it is the first meaningful word in the expression.
Which other expressions with "catch" may be listed in a dictionary?
Examples include "catch someone's attention", "catch sight of", "catch someone red-handed", "catch one's breath" and "catch someone's eye".
Page 58 — Expressions using "heart"
What does "break somebody's heart" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means to cause someone great sadness. Sentence: The news of her friend's departure broke her heart.
What does "close or dear to heart" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means deeply important or personally valued. Sentence: Education is a cause close to my heart.
What does "from the bottom of your heart" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means with complete sincerity. Sentence: I thanked my teacher from the bottom of my heart.
What does "have a heart" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means to show kindness or sympathy. Sentence: Have a heart and give the exhausted player some rest.
What does "have a heart of stone" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means to be extremely unfeeling. Sentence: Only a person with a heart of stone could ignore the child's distress.
What does "your heart goes out to somebody" mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means that you feel deep sympathy for someone. Sentence: My heart goes out to families who lost their homes in the flood.
Page 58 — Thinking about Language V: Contracted forms
Make a list of contracted forms in the chapter and rewrite them in full.
I've — I have; doesn't — does not; I'm — I am; won't — will not; don't — do not; it's — it is; can't — cannot; that's — that is; we're — we are; they're — they are; I'd — I would or I had; I'll — I will; who'll — who will; you're — you are; I'm not — I am not; we'll — we will; he'd — he had; there's — there is; haven't — have not; wasn't — was not.
Which contracted forms in the text can stand for two different full forms?
I'd can mean "I had" or "I would"; he'd can mean "he had" or "he would"; she's can mean "she is" or "she has"; it's can mean "it is" or "it has"; who's can mean "who is" or "who has".
Pages 58–59 — Speaking: Convert the extract into natural contracted speech
Rewrite the dialogue using contracted forms where suitable.
HOB: We're going to smash his evil work to pieces. Where's the machine? SECOND MAN: On the table yonder. HOB: Then here's the end of it! MARY: Neighbours, he's a sick man and almost a cripple. You wouldn't hurt him! HOB: He's planning to take away our daily bread. We'll show him what we think of him and his ways! MARY: You've broken his machine. You've done enough.
Page 59 — Writing: Keep a diary for one week
Write a sample diary for one week, recording daily events and feelings.
Monday: Dear Diary, Started the week feeling sleepy, but the science experiment in class woke me up. Our group finally made the circuit work, and I felt proud. Tuesday: Dear Diary, Forgot my lunch at home. My friend shared hers without making a fuss. Such small kindnesses can rescue an ordinary day. Wednesday: Dear Diary, Maths felt difficult today. I made several mistakes, but stayed after class and understood the method at last. Thursday: Dear Diary, We practised for the school assembly. I was nervous while speaking, yet my voice became steadier after the first few lines. Friday: Dear Diary, Received good marks in English. The teacher praised my answer, and I could not stop smiling. Saturday: Dear Diary, Helped clean the house and later played badminton with my cousins. Tired, but happily so. Sunday: Dear Diary, A quiet day. Finished my homework, arranged my books and prepared for Monday. Feeling calmer and ready for a fresh week.
Pages 59–60 — Listening: The Great Fire of London
Complete the summary of Samuel Pepys's diary entry.
The entry was made on September 2nd, 1666, by Samuel Pepys. Jane told him about the fire. She called at about three in the morning. Pepys went back to sleep because he thought the fire was far enough away. He rose again at about seven in the morning. By then, more than 300 houses had burned down. The fire had spread to Fish Street by London Bridge. Pepys then walked to the Tower with Sir J. Robinson's little son.
Page 61 — Amanda!: Before You Read
Write down some things you may want to do but your parents or elders do not allow.
I may want to stay awake late, spend more time playing games, go out alone, eat extra sweets or leave my room untidy, but my elders restrict these things because they are concerned about my health, safety and responsibilities.
Page 62 — Thinking about the Poem: Amanda!
How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Amanda appears to be a young school-going girl, probably around nine to twelve years old. She is reminded about homework, tidying her room, cleaning her shoes, posture, nail-biting and acne.
Who do you think is speaking to Amanda?
A parent or another elder responsible for her care is speaking to her.
Why are stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parentheses?
They represent Amanda's private thoughts and fantasies, separate from the elder's spoken instructions.
Who is the speaker in stanzas 2, 4 and 6? Do you think this speaker is listening to the speaker in stanzas 1, 3, 5 and 7?
Amanda is the speaker in the parenthesised stanzas. She is not fully listening to the elder because she escapes mentally into imagined worlds of freedom and peace.
What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
She could drift peacefully and alone in a calm emerald sea, free from commands and interruptions.
Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
No. She imagines herself as an orphan because she longs to roam freely, enjoy silence and escape constant supervision.
Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?
Rapunzel lives in a tower and has very long hair. Amanda imagines being Rapunzel because the quiet tower represents peace and freedom from nagging, though she says she would never lower her hair and allow anyone to enter.
What does the girl yearn for? What does the poem tell you about Amanda?
She yearns for freedom, silence, privacy and a life without constant correction. The poem presents her as imaginative, sensitive and tired of repeated instructions.
Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and moody?
The poem does not clearly prove that she is sulking. She may simply be withdrawn into her imagination because the continuous instructions leave her little space to respond.