What are some descriptions and examples of the innocent youth archetype in literature?

Theof the
innocent youth is pervasive in literature. It is typically associated with coming-of-age
stories, where the main character grows up, matures, and learns about the world. Their na¯vet©
and good nature serve them well and prevent them from becoming disheartened or downtrodden, or
worse, corrupted, while they mature in a cruel world.

Some excellent examples
of this are Ponyboy from The Outsiders, who is innocent, though not naive,
and is already learning the terrible nature of the world; Tiny Tim from A Christmas
Carol; and Jonas from The Giver, who is naive and unconcerned
about how the world works until he learns the deeper secrets of the world and his society. These
characters all grow and learn but remain pure and good natured throughout the
books.