Nancy Drew Series | Social Sensitivity

Nancy Drew Series Social Sensitivity

Nancy Drew mysteries consistently emphasize traditional American values, but the early books in the series reflect the social insensitivity of the time when they were written. There is much talk about manners and breeding, and a maid is described as "willing but somewhat stupid." Likewise, in The Secret of the Old Clock, racial stereotyping is seen in the treatment of Jeff Tucker, the black caretaker at the Tophams' cabin, who is portrayed as a somewhat comic figure easily fooled by the robber gang. Likewise, The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk contains some examples of American chauvinism: the maid in Buenos Aires is described as "simple-minded"; Nancy and her friends exchange their money for "native coins"; and Mrs. Purdy, an Argentine, is an appropriate chaperon because she "speaks her native tongue so beautifully." Offensive references of this kind were eliminated, however, in the 1959 revision of the series.