Anne Frank

Anne and Mr. Dussel disagree over using the table in their room. In my opinion, Anne actually conducts herself quite well.... after all, she is a teenager. Mr. Dussel, however, is unbending.

I was incensed and wasn't about to let myself be put off like that. I asked him the reason for his "No," but this didn't get me anywhere. The gist of his reply was: "I have to study too, you know, and if I can't do that in the afternoons, I won't be able to fit it in at all. I have to finish the task I've set for myself; otherwise, there's no point in starting. Besides, you aren't serious about your studies. Mythology — what kind of work is that? Reading and knitting don't count either. I use that table and I'm
not going to give it up!"

I replied, "Mr. Dussel, I do take my wsork seriously. I can't study next door in the afternoons, and I would appreciate it if you would reconsider my request!"

Having said these words, the insulted Anne turned around and pretended the learned doctor wasn't there. I was seething with rage and felt that Dussel had been incredibly rude (which he certainly had been) and that I'd been very polite.