Youth Catchers
Nov/090
Don't Trust Anyone Over 30: Catcher in the Rye, Huckleberry Finn, & Lord of the Flies
As the American legal justice system will tell you, immorality is generally thought to increase with age; crimes committed by children are among the few that still have the power to shock anyone nowadays, and given their unusualness, they generally receive more delicate treatment in court. In fact, many child crimes result in sentencing against parents, who some argue are responsible for their children's bad behavior. Of course, nowhere can you find more discussion on the nature of good and evil than in literature. To get a feel for the literary stance on the innocence of children, let's take a look at a few of the classics.
J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a good example of a more modern story that really dives into the debate. Its young narrator, Holden Caulfield, repeatedly paints a picture of adults as being insensitive, calculating, self-absorbed, and even sexually threatening, essentially equating all things corrupt with adulthood and all things innocent with childhood. Holden's ideas aren't wildly original, but what gives them a special twist is his famous use of one simple, two-syllable word: "phony."
In Holden's world, anyone who is post-pubescent runs the risk of becoming a phony. At some level, this suggests that the bad behavior of adults is unnatural – and should, in theory, be avoidable. Holden even envisions himself as a catcher standing in a field of rye to prevent innocent children from plummeting over a dangerous precipice (and presumably into adulthood). It's a strange image, but then again, what better way to emphasize that whole innocence-is-natural thing than children playing in a breezy field of grain?
The Catcher in the Rye isn't the first great American writer to set these two camps in opposition. Perhaps the granddaddy of them all is Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, which portrays a 13-year-old boy foraying into nature to defy some of the most deeply-held beliefs of the adult world. Raised half by a strict, Christian widow and half by an abusive, reclusive alcoholic, Huck never comfortably integrates into society to begin with. When he then sets off down the Mississippi, he symbolically breaks his last ties with the "sivilized" world in favor of island campouts, naked rafting, and watching the stars.
His independence of thinking is challenged with the addition of Jim, an escaped slave, to his voyage. Although Huck struggles with the fact that it's "sinful" to aid and abet Jim on his flight to the North, he can't find it in his heart to betray his friend and willingly forfeits his soul to help him. Like Salinger, Twain aligns youth and nature with true-heartedness against the corrupting influences of unnatural adult conventions.
What makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside about this overall premise is the implication that people are born essentially good and become corrupted as the adult world rubs off on them; evil behavior is a social problem, not a personal one. Of course, not all literary masterpieces share this optimism. Take William Golding's Lord of the Flies, for example. While an unnamed war wages in Europe, a group of British schoolchildren becomes stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific – only this time, children plus nature definitely does NOT equal youthful innocence.
Although the children initially attempt to organize society in a way that would have made mummy and daddy proud, the effort gradually loses momentum as individual personalities come into conflict: the tribe factions, children are killed, and eventually, the island is consumed by an all-out war of its own. What's worse, this moral decay only quickens as the children venture further and further into the wild, suggesting that human nature is darkest at its core. Although the arrival of a navy cruiser at the end of the novel brings an end to the boys' private island hell, the obvious symbolism of the warship sends a strongly depressing message: that either the children are no better than the adults… or the adults are no better than the children.
About the Author
Shmoop is an online study guide for Catcher in the Rye, Huckleberry Finn and many more. Its content is written by Ph.D. and Masters students from top universities, like Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Yale who have also taught at the high school and college levels. Teachers and students should feel confident to cite Shmoop.
Canada World Youth - Making dream catchers
 |
 Easton Black Magic Black Grey Catchers Set Junior Youth Ages 6 8 $85.95 Time Remaining: 21d 6h 20m Buy It Now for only: $85.95 Buy It Now |
 Johnny Walker Pro Model Catchers Mitt Vintage Leather Baseball Glove Nice $13.95 Time Remaining: 5h 18m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Sportsmaster 10 1 2 RH Thrower Leather Baseball Softball Catchers Mitt $19.95 Time Remaining: 6h 49m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Rawlings Renegade 315 Youth Catchers Mitt Model RCMYB $20.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 52m |
 Champion Baseball Softball Catchers Knee Savers Cushions Youth $11.99 Time Remaining: 23d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Wilson A500 Fastpitch Softball Catchers Mitt 31 BRAND NEW $21.99 Time Remaining: 11h 3m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 Buy It Now |
 Mizuno Max flex 11 inch catchers glove $20.00 Time Remaining: 12h 2m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 Buy It Now |
 Adams Youth Baseball Catchers Knee Savers Age 7 12 $9.95 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 LOT OF YOUTH CATCHERS GEAR AGES 9 12 RAWLINGSEASTONLOUISVILLE SLUGGER $80.00 (31 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 26m |
 EASTON Black Magic Youth Baseball Catchers Mitt Model BMX2018 Very new $26.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 55m |
 Mizuno Samurai Youth Baseball Catchers Package Navy $204.95 Time Remaining: 27d 6h 17m Buy It Now for only: $204.95 Buy It Now |
 WILSON A500 FASTPITCH SOFTBALL CATCHERS MITT 31 NWT $19.99 Time Remaining: 15h 44m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 Buy It Now |
 Youth Catchers Gear Equipment Easton Bat bag Macgregor mask All Star vest $37.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 36m |
 Martin Baseball Softball Catchers Knee Savers Youth Black $11.99 Time Remaining: 8d 11h 29m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Youth Catchers Gear Champro mask Rawlings vest Champro shin guards ages 7 9 $32.99 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 12m |
 RAWLINGS YOUTH CATCHERS MITT FJ42 $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 57m |
 RAWLINGS 3 PIECE YOUTH 9 12 CATCHERS GEAR Set Black $104.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 56m Buy It Now for only: $104.99 Buy It Now |
 New Reebok VR6000 Pro Shin catcher Leg Guards red youth baseball catchers guard $26.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 39m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Rawlings RCM 45 Youth Catchers Mitt 315 $12.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 7m |
 Juniors Vntg Catchers Mitt by Revelation 1350 $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 4m |
 NEW Youth Catchers Gear Pack AGES 8 12 Scarlet Red $84.00 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 10m Buy It Now for only: $84.00 Buy It Now |
 Mizuno Youth Baseball Catchers Mitt Power Close Model MPR C001 Exc Condition $20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 26m |
 Easton Youth Catchers Protective Gear $86.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 28m Buy It Now for only: $180.00 Buy It Now |
 Martin Baseball Softball Catchers Knee Savers Youth Blue $11.99 Time Remaining: 18d 10h 52m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Allstar Youth Baseball Catchers Helmet Black $19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 40m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Rawlings Youth Size 8 3 4 catchers mask with neck guard $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 27m |
 Martin Baseball Softball Catchers Knee Savers Youth Red $11.99 Time Remaining: 18d 10h 52m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Baseball Glove Z TX29 Youth Catchers Mitt Leather 1450 $94.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 39m |
 All Pro Little League Catchers Glove GOOD CONDITION $10.00 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 4m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now |
 Youth Baseball Catchers Equipment Gear Set Age 9 12 All Star Little League $69.95 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 9m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now |
 Youth Set Catchers Gear Mizuno Excellent Condition Green Ages 8 14 Samurai $113.49 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 45m |
 Used Mizuno Youth Samurai Catchers Combo $51.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 20m |
 EASTON NATURAL BASEBALL CATCHER SHINGUARDS Youth Navy BLUE $36.99 Time Remaining: 26d 7h 18m Buy It Now for only: $36.99 Buy It Now |
 Reebok VR6000 Pro Series small catchers mask helmet blue Silver Baseball youth $44.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 26m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 RAWLINGS YOUTH MDL RCM33 CATCHERS MITT $21.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 9m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now |
 EASTON PHANTOM CATCHERS MITT PHT 2 NICE PRE OWNED $20.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 9h 10m |
 NEW CHAMPRO Pro Plus COMPLETE 2 TONE CATCHER GEAR SET $128.95 Time Remaining: 11d 14h 47m Buy It Now for only: $128.95 Buy It Now |
 Allstar Youth Baseball Catchers Helmet Black $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 Youth Catchers 23 SHIN GUARDS V2 KNEE AID SAVERS Baseball Softball $9.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 12h 8m |
 Easton Rival Home Road Youth Baseball Catchers Gear Package Royal $199.95 Time Remaining: 27d 9h 12m Buy It Now for only: $199.95 Buy It Now |
 Youth Easton Catchers Chest protector $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 31m |
 Older Tru Play B 111 Catchers Mit Youth Size $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 42m |
 CATCHERS GEAR SET Rawlings Youth Baseball Ages 7 10 Helmet Shin Chest Guards $124.90 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 11m Buy It Now for only: $124.90 Buy It Now |
 Athletics Edge KneeSavers knee savers catchers pads protective youth baseball $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 14h 1m |
 LOT OF YOUTH CATCHERS GEAR MIZUNORAWLINGS AGES 7 9 $62.61 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 14h 25m |
 Louisville Slugger OSETY Omaha youth catchers gear set Scarlet New $124.99 Time Remaining: 12d 5h 34m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 Buy It Now |
 Rawlings Catchers Chest Pad for Youth Baseball $10.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 48m |
 baseball catcher equipment A D STARR youth 7 10 $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 49m |
 NATURAL CATCHER YOUTH BOX SET SILVER NEW $154.00 Time Remaining: 16d 17h 2m Buy It Now for only: $154.00 Buy It Now |
 Rawlings Catchers Mask for Youth Baseball $15.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 52m |
 LIGHTLY USED MARKWORT LMTEX YOUTH CATCHERS MASK CHECK THE PICTURES $12.99 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 25m Buy It Now for only: $27.00 Buy It Now |
 Black Magic Catchers Gear Set Youth Sale Price: $79.99  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBlack Magic Helmet (6" - 7") Black Magic Chest Protector (14") Black Magic Leg Guards (11.5") 4.5" Throat protector  |
 Easton Youth Mystique Fastpitch Catchers Leg Guards, Black Sale Price: $34.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 Baseball Coaching:Drills & Techniques for Catchers Sale Price: $24.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 MacGregor Youth Catchers Knee Support List Price: Sale Price: $20.94 You save: $12.35 (37%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe MacGregor Youth Catchers Knee Support cushions and support the knee, minimizing stress on the knee from the catchers position. The Knee Support cushion attaches to the leg guard straps for convenience and security... |
 Mylec Youth Pro Catch Glove, Full Rt List Price: Sale Price: $39.99 You save: $10.00 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMylec's Ultra Pro high impact goalie blocker are lightweight and durable for all types of hockey action, Street, Roller and Ice. |
 Catcher's Comfort Knee Pad (Youth) Sale Price: $21.33 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThese pads don't protect so much as they make it easier for catchers to put in the long hours: straps onto the leg guard to provide support for the lower back while the catcher is in the crouched position... |
 Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Youth Catcher's Gear, 3 Piece Set, Navy List Price: Sale Price: $118.73 You save: $11.22 (9%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe navy youth TPX Omaha Catcher's gear set includes a 13" chest protector, 13" shin guards and a matching youth catcher's helmet. |
 BEWARE OF THE CATCHER Youth T-Shirt (for Kids) WHITE MEDIUM List Price: Sale Price: $17.99 You save: $4.00 (18%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 THOR-MX SENTINEL YOUTH CHEST PROTECTOR! BLACK/GRAY Sale Price: $74.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNEW Thor YOUTH Sentinel Protectors. Produced in many different colors. |