The newspapers are full of talk about a coming invasion of Europe by the allies. There is speculation that in defending Holland, the Germans will flood it. The Franks and the van Daans discuss how they would cope with such a situation. There is also a possibility, they believe, that the Germans will evacuate Amsterdam, in which case they plan to stay exactly where they are, and they make plans about how they would cope. Their provisions are holding up well. Anne resolves to remain calm; she knows that she can do nothing to change events anyway.
On February 14, she reports on her developing friendship with Peter van Daan. She has a strong sense of fellowship with him that she has before known only with her girlfriends. She has a long talk with him two days later, and her affection for him grows. She senses that he needs affection too, and she also notes that he seems to have an inferiority complex. He thinks he is stupid and all the others very smart. By February 18, Anne writes that whenever she goes upstairs, it is to see Peter. This new friendship has given her something to look forward to. She says she is not in love with him, but has the feeling that something beautiful will develop between them, based on friendship and trust. The next day, however, she is crying, thinking that maybe Peter does not even like her and does not need anyone to confide in. She fears she may have to go back to feeling completely alone. But by February 23, she has cheered up and is enjoying the beautiful view from the attic. The sight of the cloudless sky, the birds and the bare trees gives her great pleasure.
By late February, Anne reports that she thinks about Peter from early in the morning to late at night. She wonders how much longer she can keep her yearning for him under control. She dare not show others how she feels. In her mind, her former boyfriend, Peter Schiff, and Peter van Daan have merged into one Peter. Peter is the only person in the annex for whom she feels any affection. She even finds her father exasperating.
On March 1, she reports that there has been a break-in, and some items have been stolen from the office. It appears that the burglar must have had a duplicate key, since there are no signs of a forced entry. It is a scary situation for them all, since they do not know whether the burglar will try to get in again.
On March 3, Anne reports on another conversation with Peter. She says it will not take much for her to fall in love with him. But she is not sure about the extent to which Peter, who is much quieter than she, returns her feelings. But at least they are getting to know each other better. On March 4, she reports that she is happy just talking to Peter, she longs to help him in his loneliness, and she lives from one encounter with him to the next. He cannot express his feelings very well, but she finds that touching.
On March 7, she reviews how her life has changed since 1942, and how she has changed, too. She finishes that entry in an optimistic frame of mind, aware that beauty and happiness can still be found, even in her own confined situation.
Analysis
These months are dominated by Anne's blossoming relationship with Peter. It is perhaps not surprising, given the extreme restrictions under which she lives, that she should quietly be drawn into an emotional and romantic bond with him. He provides an outlet for her to confide her intimate feelings and to express affection and love.
Anne's diary entry of February 17 reveals that her budding literary talent was not confined to writing her diary. She also wrote tales and fables, including the "Eva's Dream" she refers to in this entry. In all, she wrote from December, 1942 to May, 1944, at least thirteen fables and short stories and one unfinished novel. Many of these writings have been published separately. Some can be found in The Works of Anne Frank (Doubleday, 1959).
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