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Catch-22

Joseph Heller

424 Pages
1999

Catch-22

A Novel

Simon and Schuster

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Catch-22 - Summary

Set during World War II, Catch-22 follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a B-25 bombardier stationed on a Mediterranean island. The novel presents a darkly satirical portrayal of military bureaucracy and the absurdity of war through Yossarian's desperate attempts to stay alive while being constantly sent on dangerous bombing missions. As he witnesses the madness around him, including the paradoxical "Catch-22" rule that traps airmen in an impossible situation, Yossarian struggles with maintaining his sanity while confronting the insane logic of war.

Key Themes

1

Bureaucratic Absurdity and Power

The military's complex and often contradictory rules, exemplified by the titular Catch-22, demonstrate how bureaucratic systems can trap individuals in cycles of powerlessness while maintaining control through illogical reasoning.

2

The Madness of War

Through dark humor and satire, the novel explores how war creates a environment where sanity becomes questionable and rational behavior seems irrational in the face of systematic violence and death.

3

Individual vs. Institution

The constant struggle between personal survival and institutional demands highlights how large organizations can dehumanize individuals and force them to choose between self-preservation and duty.

FAQ's

It's a paradoxical rule stating that airmen who are crazy can request to be relieved from duty, but requesting relief proves they're sane enough to fly, therefore they must continue flying missions.

While the story is fictional, it draws heavily from Joseph Heller's own experiences as a bombardier during World War II, incorporating real aspects of military life and the psychological impact of war.

The book's unique blend of dark humor, absurdist situations, and profound commentary on the dehumanizing aspects of war creates a powerful critique of military institutions and war itself, influencing countless works that followed.

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