Answer:

Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II, starts to berate herself mainly because she is angered by her own mistreatment of the others in the Annex. This self-criticism arises from her struggle to cope with the difficult circumstances they are all facing while hiding from the Nazis.

1. Stress and Frustration:
Living in close quarters and constant fear for their lives, the inhabitants of the Annex experience significant stress and frustration. Anne, being a teenager, is particularly affected by these emotions. She often finds herself taking out her frustrations on those around her, venting her anger through arguments and disagreements.

2. Guilt and Remorse:
As time passes, Anne begins to feel guilty about her behavior and the way she treats her family and the other occupants of the Annex. She recognizes that her outbursts of anger and frustration are unfair and unkind. This guilt and remorse gradually build up, leading her to berate herself for her mistreatment of others.

3. Realization of Their Shared Struggle:
As Anne matures during her time in hiding, she starts to understand the gravity of the situation they are all in. She realizes that they are all in the same boat, facing the same fears and uncertainties. This realization deepens her empathy for others and intensifies her feelings of remorse for her past behavior.

4. Desire for Self-Improvement:
Anne is a reflective and introspective individual. She constantly strives to better herself and become a more considerate person. She recognizes that her mistreatment of others is contrary to her own values and aspirations. Therefore, she berates herself as a way of motivating herself to change and improve her behavior.

In conclusion, Anne Frank starts to berate herself because she is angered by her own mistreatment of the others in the Annex. This self-criticism arises from the stress, guilt, and remorse she feels due to the difficult circumstances they are all facing and her desire to become a better person.