What is the central theme of "The Catcher in the Rye"?

The central theme of "The Catcher in the Rye" is the loss of innocence. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, grapples with the transition from childhood to adulthood, observing how the adult world often embodies phoniness and superficiality. Throughout the novel, this theme manifests in Holden's deep desire to protect children, particularly his sister Phoebe, from the harsh realities of life that lead to the loss of innocence. He envisions himself as "the catcher in the rye," longing to catch children before they fall into the complexities of adulthood. This poignant narrative focus highlights the struggle between preserving innocence and facing the inevitable changes that come with growing up, making the loss of innocence an essential and powerful theme in the novel.