The Nancy Drew Mystery Series has played a pivotal role in the history of American children’s literature. As a character, Nancy acted as a role model for young girls, providing an alternative to traditional gender conventions (Dyer & Romalov, 6). The stories assume the quality of a fairy tale, emphasising Nancy’s heroic qualities. The books maintain a set of strong and clear morals, teaching girls the importance of curiosity and ­­­­intelligence (Cornelius & Greg, 12). The series relies on conservative values of race and class order, while simultaneously promoting a progressive vision of girlhood (Nash, 30).

The series was the creation of Edward Stratemeyer, creator of the Stratemeyer Syndicate. The syndicate perfected the process of mass producing and marketing popular children’s series (Caprio, 25). His goal was to create characters readers could identify with, a quality encapsulated through the Nancy Drew series. A young woman by the name of Mildred Wirt was hired by the syndicate to write the series under the pseudonym of Carolyn Keene (Kismaric & Heiferman, 25).  On April 28 1930, the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories were launched (Inness, 29).

Perhaps what is so remarkable about the character of Nancy Drew is the impression she leaves on readers. Readers are able to view Nancy as someone they aspire to be, a role model who encapsulates a feminine strength. One is able to control and define the limits of her character. Throughout the series, she is defined by her ability to overcome challenges and the subsequent success she achieves. Nancy Drew is the perfect character for “she possesses the ideal qualities of each age and sex: child, girl, teenager, boy and adult” (Dyer & Romalov, 16). At the time of publication, the majority of American women were full time homemakers (Heiferman & Kismaric, 18). Nancy refuses to be confined to the conventions of tradition and instead demonstrates an alternative. Through maintaining her femininity, she exhibits talent, independence and intelligence (Inness, 45). In every story, she maintains her dignity and controls the definitions of her identity (Nash, 48). While she is confident and plucky, she also remains humble and genuine.

The series is set in the idyllic town of River Heights. Its exact location is irrelevant for it exists in the most important place, the mind of the reader. Nancy is respected by her circle of well-bred, middle class friends and family. This collection of characters ultimately serves to compliment Nancy’s strengths and accomplishments. Together, they play an integral role in the series success (Heiferman & Kismaric, 84).

One of the most notable figures in the series is her widowed father, Carson Drew. A prominent lawyer in their town, he and Nancy act as a team, discussing legal cases and rationalising clues (Caprio, 91). Housekeeper Hannah Greun acts as a mother substitute to Nancy, acting as a voice of reason in times of danger. The absence of Nancy’s mother allows for possibility, removing her from the constraints of the maternal bond (Daigon, 668).

At times, Nancy relies on the assistance of her friends to solve a case.  Cousins Bess Marvin and George Fayne represent dual sides of adolescence. Concepts of male and female, active and passive, brash and insecure are expressed through their identities (Heiferman & Kismaric, 84). Together, Bess and George’s idiosyncrasies work to emphasise Nancy’s archetypal femininity, by making her appear more average (Nash, 38). Occasionally, boyfriend Ned Nickerson is included in text. Described as the all-American college man, he lives to serve Nancy. However, Nancy demonstrates that she does not need Ned (Heiferman & Kismaric, 90). She is blasé towards the subject of romance, and ultimately is more interested in solving her case.

Nancy Drew is a character that invites readers to partake in an inner reflection. Through quaint language, moral characters and exciting plots, a monumental impact is created.  When interviewed about the series, original author Mildred Wirt stated that she “…simply wanted to give girls a genuinely adventurous heroine” (Nash, 44). Nancy Drew did not make an impact because she was a feminist, she made an impact because she was a well rounded character who lived a rich and exemplary life. To this day, the series has changed the way girls view themselves. Nancy Drew is a character who is undefeated by the passage of time.

Works Cited List:

Caprio, Betsy. Girl Sleuth on the Couch: The Mystery of Nancy Drew. Trabuco Canyon: Source Books, 1992. Print.

Cornelius, Michael G. and Melanie E. Gregg. Nancy Drew and Her Sister Sleuths: Essays on the Fiction of Girl Detectives. Jefferson: McFarland & Company, 2008. Print.

Daigon, Arthur. “The Strange Case of Nancy Drew.” The English Journal vol. 53 (1964): 666-669. Print.

Dutro, Elizabeth. “But That’s A Girls’ Book! Exploring Gender Boundaries in Children’s Literature Practices.” The Reading Teacher vol. 55 (2001-2002): 376-384. Print.

Flood, Alison. “Study Finds Huge Gender Imbalance in Children’s Literature.” The Guardian 6 May. 2011, Final Ed.: A4. Print.

Heiferman, Marvin and Carole Kismaric. The Mysterious Case of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. New York: Fireside, 1998. Print.

Inness, Sherrie A. Nancy Drew & Company: Culture, Gender and Girls’ Series. Bowling Green: Bowling Green State University Press, 1997. Print.

Inness, Sherrie A. Delinquents & Debutantes: Twentieth-Century American Girls’ Cultures. New York: New York University Press, 1998. Print.

Nash, Ilana. American Sweethearts: Teenage Girls in Twentieth- Century Popular Culture. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006. Print.

Stewart Dyer, Carolyn and Nancy Tillman Romalov. Rediscovering Nancy Drew. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1995. Print.