Otto Frank Analysis

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Could it be that a sad old man who's entire family perished in WWII also be a capable leader? Despite the harsh conditions, including robbers and Nazis, Otto Frank persevered as a leader to the Van Daans, Mr. Dussel, and his own family. For two long years this hero managed to protect and reassure the seven people living with him, even with the constant fear and knowledge that they were all being persecuted for no reason. Mr. Frank was an effective leader because he bonded with the people in the Annex, he stayed calm under pressure and fights, and he was selfless. It is notable that Mr. Frank was an exceptional host because he connected with his guests. Whenever conditions became too unbearable for anyone, Mr. Frank was there as a reassuring…show more content…
Frank was a capable mediator because he broke up fights and remained calm under increasing pressure. The difficulty of hiding from Nazis and the bickering that occurs when eight people have to live in close quarters were all somehow controlled by Mr. Frank. For example, after Dussel and Edith Frank became angry with Mr. Van Daan for stealing bread, Mr. Frank intervened with the memorable words, "For two long years we have lived here, side by side. We have respected each other's rights… we have managed to live in peace. Are we going to throw it all away? I know this will never happen again, will it, Mr. Van Daan?" (Goodrich and Hacket 942). Although it is arguable that Mr. Frank should have considered being more aggressive, his peaceful manner was the best method to solving problems. Mr. Frank was a mesmerizing speaker, and everyone listened and appreciated every word he said. He seemed to melt away the ferocity, and bring his calmness upon those around him. Another moment Mr. Frank stayed calm under pressure was in the midst of the Hanukkah panic about the robber. He rose to them all and exclaimed, "Have we lost all faith? All courage? A moment ago we'd thought that they'd come for us. We were sure it was the end. But it wasn't the end. We're alive, safe" (Goodrich and Hacket 910). Mr. Frank's wise words and his calm manner were a reassurance of their own to the people of the Secret Annex. A leader who can stay as calm as Mr. Frank earns the trust and…show more content…
Frank was a valuable leader because he was selfless. This means that, without a doubt, he was willing to do anything to protect his family, Dussel, and the Van Daans, including sacrificing his own safety and happiness. A time when Mr. Frank was heroically selfless was right after the frightening bang came from downstairs, right in the middle of their joyous Hanukkah celebration. He grabbed a flashlight and declared fearlessly, "I'm going down. We can't live with this uncertainty" (Goodrich and Hacket 910). Mr. Frank easily could have volunteered Mr. Van Daan or not gone at all, albeit he took control of the situation and courageously went to investigate. Apart from his selflessness during this time of distress for all the members of the Annex, Mr. Frank was also selfless in the name of generosity. After Mr. Kraler asked Mr. Frank if they could take in a dentist who was in trouble, Dussel, Mr. Frank replied without hesitation, "Of course we will" (Goodrich and Hacket 864). Even though he knew full well that having another mouth to feed in the already cramped Annex would be difficult, Mr. Frank stayed true to himself and did the right thing. Selflessness comes with being brave, and these character traits are best demonstrated in these times of need
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