Question

Why is the cake important in this part of the scene (Act 1)?

Answer 1

This question refers to the play "The Diary of Anne Frank." In this play, we learn about a cake that Miep and Mr. Kraler have brought to the annex, where Anne and her family are hiding. The cake reads "Peace in 1944."

The cake is significant because of the way in which it reveals the hidden tensions between the characters. We learn that the characters are initially happy to receive the cake, but that conflict begins soon after. Mr. Dussel believes that Mrs. Van Daan gives her husband a larger piece, while Mr. Van Daan does not want to give Margot cake. This reveals that problems are becoming more serious in the annex, and that tensions are high. It also shows that some characters, such as Mr. Van Daan, are quite selfish and greedy.