# Left to Starve explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

> Chapter companion for The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy Drew is locked in a closet by a robber and left to starve. After initial panic, she tries to pick the lock with a hairpin, then uses a wooden rod to pry the hinges. As she nearly escapes, she is startled by footsteps; Jeff Tucker, the caretaker, has arrived, thinking she is a robber. He cannot find the key to let her out.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Independence

Nancy uses a hairpin and a wooden rod to try to escape, demonstrating her resourcefulness and determination.

### Courage in Adversity

Despite panic and hopelessness, Nancy forces herself to think logically and persist in her escape attempt.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Locked in a closet, she struggles to escape using a hairpin and a wooden rod, and is finally discovered by Jeff Tucker.

### Jeff Tucker

The caretaker who arrives at the bungalow, mistakes Nancy for a robber, but then cannot find the key to release her.

### Helen Corning

Mentioned as someone Nancy wishes she had told about her whereabouts.

### Carson Drew

Nancy's father, who thinks she is at camp and will not worry until too late.

## Key lines

> She beat frantically upon the door with her fists, but the heavy oak panels did not give.

Nancy pounded on the door with her fists, but the thick oak panels held firm.

_Shows her initial desperate attempt to escape._

> I must try to think logically. If I don't, I'm lost.

She resolved to think clearly, knowing that panic would doom her.

_Highlights her self-discipline and logical approach._

> Archimedes didn't know what he was talking about when he said the world could be moved with a lever. I'd like to see him move this door!

Nancy joked that Archimedes' lever principle was useless against this stubborn door.

_Shows her wry humor even in a dire situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/xvi-left-to-starve
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters