Catch 22 is a satirical novel by Joseph Heller, set during
World War II. The book follows Captain John Yossarian, depicting his experiences
and the interactions he has with others. The novel uses a non-linear time line
and focuses on the absurd. Yossarian and his colleagues endure a ridiculous experience defined by bureaucracy and violence. The phrase Catch-22
refers to the idea that only the crazy can leave war, but in order to leave you
have to ask and only a sane person would ask to leave so therefore you cannot. The book as a whole attempts to tell the story of war like never before.
By focusing on an obviously ridiculous account of war and using satire to make a point, Heller captures the essence of the postmodern era. The novel stresses the illogical and by doing so, it pokes fun of war in general. A prime example of this is when Heller describes a back and forth between two highly ranked officials where they argue over lines:
"Read me back the last line."
"Read me back the last line" read back the corporal who could take shorthand.
"Not my last line, stupid!" the colonel shouted.
This interaction continues in a similar manner, and is seen throughout the book. The once heroic, war figures are, in this book, seen as idiotic and humorous. Heller does this in order to make evident the down falls of war. By using satire and over-playing the ridiculous, Heller shows the reader that war is not something glamorous nor heroic. The book instead shows the postmodern ideal that war brings about destruction, not only of war victims, but also the people fighting. These people end up with PTSD and other non-glamorous illnesses when they return that show the true horrors that war causes.
By focusing on an obviously ridiculous account of war and using satire to make a point, Heller captures the essence of the postmodern era. The novel stresses the illogical and by doing so, it pokes fun of war in general. A prime example of this is when Heller describes a back and forth between two highly ranked officials where they argue over lines:
"Read me back the last line."
"Read me back the last line" read back the corporal who could take shorthand.
"Not my last line, stupid!" the colonel shouted.
This interaction continues in a similar manner, and is seen throughout the book. The once heroic, war figures are, in this book, seen as idiotic and humorous. Heller does this in order to make evident the down falls of war. By using satire and over-playing the ridiculous, Heller shows the reader that war is not something glamorous nor heroic. The book instead shows the postmodern ideal that war brings about destruction, not only of war victims, but also the people fighting. These people end up with PTSD and other non-glamorous illnesses when they return that show the true horrors that war causes.
Like the other exhibits, Catch 22 tries to bring awareness to the downfalls of war. It attempts to show the reader that war is not glamorous and heroic, much like the other two pieces. In a style similar to John Stewart, Heller captures the ridiculous and absurd to prove his point.
Heller, Joseph, and Herbert Svenkerud. Catch 22. Trondhjem: J.W. Cappelens Forlag, 1994. Print.
Good use of quote. Your analysis tends to get repetitive, and would benefit from either more examples or fresh commentary at the end.
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