The Freedom Writers Diary

The Freedom Writers Diary

by

Erin Gruwell

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Freedom Writers Diary makes teaching easy.

The Freedom Writers Diary: Part III: Diary 36 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
This student expresses frustration at Ms. Gruwell for having to read books about people who do not look like him/her and with which s/he has nothing in common. Ms. Gruwell tells the student that s/he cannot judge a book s/he hasn’t even read. In the end, after reading Anne Frank’s diary, the student concludes that Ms. Gruwell was right. S/he was indeed capable of identifying with the protagonist, as s/he too has experienced the pain of discrimination and the feeling of being locked up in a cage.
This student realizes that superficial differences such as people’s skin color, nationality, or the historical period they live in have no bearing on one’s capacity to empathize with—and learn from—other people. This student thus comes to terms with the fact that human beings share many similar emotional experiences, which the act of sharing stories can bring to light.
Themes
Race, Ethnicity, and Tolerance Theme Icon
Education and Healing Theme Icon