When one thinks of the memoir Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, one would often picture Anne Frank and the horrific tragedies of the Holocaust. A lesser known name such as Miep, Gies, however, is one that we should also remember. Miep Gies is a Christian woman who risks her life for two years helping to illegally hide those residing in the “Secret Annex”, namely Anne Frank. Her sacrifices for these Jewish families allows them to safely lead out their lives as chaos unfolds throughout Europe. Miep Gies’s diligence, thoughtfulness, and compassion prove her to be a brave heroine of the Holocaust. One of the traits of Miep Gies that is shown through Anne Frank’s writings is diligence. Anne Frank writes:
Miep is just like a pack mule, she …show more content…
Gies is extremely hardworking, as she always makes sure to gather food for them and even brings them presents on occasion. All of the effort she puts into keeping them safe and happy, while risking her own safety and happiness, proves the she is a persistent and attentive caretaker. Miep Gies shows herself to be not only thoughtful, but also intelligent. While at a party, she meets two policemen and takes down their addresses with the annex members in mind. Anne Frank notes, “It seems as if we are never far from Miep’s thoughts, because she took down the addresses of these men at once, in case anything should happen some time or other, and good Dutchmen might come in useful” (229). In other words, Miep Gies is always thinking about the wellbeing of the eight in the Annex. This quote shows not only Mrs. Gies’s thoughtfulness but also how highly she was thought of by Anne. From beginning to end, Miep Gies’s every act is driven by love and compassion. Anne Frank seemed to realize this as well, as she frequently mentions Mrs. Gies in her diary. She writes, “Miep and Kraler carry the heaviest burden of the eight in hiding, Miep in all she does…” (240). Mrs. Gies devotes two years of her life to giving the families safety and necessities, as well as gifts on holidays. Nearly anyone else in this position would’ve quit, whether from risk of being caught or sheer strenuity. However, Miep Gies stayed strong and cheerful throughout the years, allowing the Secret Annex members
Miep is just like a pack mule, she …show more content…
Gies is extremely hardworking, as she always makes sure to gather food for them and even brings them presents on occasion. All of the effort she puts into keeping them safe and happy, while risking her own safety and happiness, proves the she is a persistent and attentive caretaker. Miep Gies shows herself to be not only thoughtful, but also intelligent. While at a party, she meets two policemen and takes down their addresses with the annex members in mind. Anne Frank notes, “It seems as if we are never far from Miep’s thoughts, because she took down the addresses of these men at once, in case anything should happen some time or other, and good Dutchmen might come in useful” (229). In other words, Miep Gies is always thinking about the wellbeing of the eight in the Annex. This quote shows not only Mrs. Gies’s thoughtfulness but also how highly she was thought of by Anne. From beginning to end, Miep Gies’s every act is driven by love and compassion. Anne Frank seemed to realize this as well, as she frequently mentions Mrs. Gies in her diary. She writes, “Miep and Kraler carry the heaviest burden of the eight in hiding, Miep in all she does…” (240). Mrs. Gies devotes two years of her life to giving the families safety and necessities, as well as gifts on holidays. Nearly anyone else in this position would’ve quit, whether from risk of being caught or sheer strenuity. However, Miep Gies stayed strong and cheerful throughout the years, allowing the Secret Annex members