Question

Read the given extracts and answer the questions given:

“Paper has more patience than people. I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I’m not planning to let anyone else read this stiff backed notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit of difference”. (From the Diary of Anne Frank)

I. In light of the excerpt, what can we infer about the speaker’s emotional state?     (1)

II. The narrator enhances the narrative technique of the extract by using:     (2)

1. descriptive language
2. literary allusions
3. humour
4. reflective

III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:     (1)

The narrator doesn’t plan to let anyone read her diary as she doesn’t have any real ______. (friend/incidents)

IV. Why does the narrator say that ‘paper has more patience than people’?     (1)

Answer 1

I. Anne Frank, the speaker, was experiencing boredom, loneliness, and isolation. She doesn’t have a true buddy or companion with whom she can confide. Her contemplative demeanor reveals her desire for a genuine and reliable buddy.

II. Reflective

III. The narrator doesn’t plan to let anyone read her diary as she doesn’t have any real friend.

IV. Because it enables her to openly express her feelings and emotions without fear of criticism, Anne Frank thinks that paper has more patience than people. Paper accepts all she writes without complaining or reacting, as contrast to individuals who might not listen or comprehend. As a result, she felt comfortable using a diary to communicate her deepest emotions.