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Thesis - Whitney Stalnaker.pdf (1.02 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Good at Heart: The Dramatization of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Its Influence on American Cultural Perceptions

Stalnaker, Whitney Lewis
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1461327854

Abstract Details

2016, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of History.
This project examines the evolution of Anne Frank's image among the American public throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and analyzes how this public perception was influenced by the theatrical interpretation of the diarist's story. Examining the theatrical interpretation of the story from its creation through the modern day reveals that the intentional manufacturing of Anne Frank's characterization specific to American audiences of the 1955 production significantly affected public understanding of the historical story and continues to complicate the public's relationship with the play's heroine. This evolving relationship has been highlighted particularly through analysis of the original script's creation, public reactions to the various incarnations of the script over time, comparisons between the major script adaptations, and case studies that demonstrate twenty-first century attitudes toward the play. By illustrating the influence of the 1955 dramatization of "The Diary of Anne Frank" on the American public's perception of the historical story, this research draws attention to the areas in which historicity was sacrificed for the sake of marketing the production and ultimately highlights the importance of the theatrical interpretation in shaping Anne Frank's iconic role in American culture.
Richard Steigmann-Gall, PhD (Advisor)
Shane Strate, PhD (Committee Member)
Mary Ann Heiss, PhD (Committee Member)
Eric van Baars, PhD (Committee Member)
139 p.
American History; History; Holocaust Studies; Modern History; Performing Arts; Theater; Theater History
Anne Frank; The Diary of Anne Frank; American history; public history; Holocaust studies; modern history; theatre; dramatization; culture; American culture

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Stalnaker, W. L. (2016). Good at Heart: The Dramatization of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Its Influence on American Cultural Perceptions [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1461327854

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Stalnaker, Whitney. Good at Heart: The Dramatization of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Its Influence on American Cultural Perceptions. 2016. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1461327854.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Stalnaker, Whitney. "Good at Heart: The Dramatization of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Its Influence on American Cultural Perceptions." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1461327854

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1461327854
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.