This Is Our Youth

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content and substance use.

Warren’s toys, records, and other memorabilia represent youth and resistance against The Disillusionment of Adulthood that some experience when leaving childhood behind. With items like a recalled toaster that is known to explode, 30 first edition records, and Major Matt Mason toys, Warren’s collection is a tactile manifestation of a bygone era. It symbolizes a time and world that no longer exists, but which defined Warren’s childhood. The items are all from the 1950s and 1960s, and all in excellent condition for their age. 

Dennis hates Warren’s collection, as he doesn’t like to be reminded of the past. Jessica, who shares Warren’s longing for a simpler time, admires the items. Warren ends up having to sell his collection, even though he doesn’t want to, because of the mistakes he made in stealing and spending his father’s money. In doing so, he releases the past and accepts that he needs to mature if he wants to move into the next phase of his life. 

The collection also contains a baseball cap that belonged to Warren’s grandfather that he got from the opening day at Wrigley Field in 1914.