Catch 22

Not only is it a fascinating novel, Catch 22 has come to be a common psychological term. The continuing circular logic or seemingly “no win situation” concept turned out to be a perfect catalyst for the parodying and mocking of authority (especially in the military). This brilliant literary device, along with many other devices (such as irony, metaphors and complex dialogues), and a great story help tell the tale of the Fighting 256^th (also known as two to the fighting eighth power) Squadron of the U.S. military during the latter half of World War Two. The squadron is (for most of the novel) on an air base on the island of Pianosa, west of Italy. The pilots make bombing runs and carry out other various missions (including what the men call “milk runs”). Although all of the characters are prevalent and important in the novel, the most so is Yossarian, our anti-heroic hero, who no longer yearns to be a hero.

Wanting to be sent home, Yossarian speaks with a superior about how he can go about doing so and if he can ever fulfill the required the amount of flights. He is denied his wish and is told there is a certain rule preventing him from completing his missions or being able to return home. The easiest to follow (although still far from simple) is the catch 22 forcing all of the men in the flight squadron, including Yossarian, to fly out all of their required missions, no matter how many times their leaders upped the quota, or how badly they want to go home. Here is that Catch 22:

“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful

whistle.” This is the one of the first catch 22’s out of many in the novel.

Another catch 22 that seems to directly pertain to military authority is the case of Major Major. Major Major tells his sergeant (assistant) to never let anyone into his office to speak to him unless he is not there. If he is present, the sergeant must make the visitor wait until the Major has left; Major Major uses the window instead of the door. This obvious idiocy and non-sense clearly is poking fun at authoritative powers and law making in the American military. The author of the book, Joseph Heller was also a bombardier on an island near Italy during World War Two, so we can see that there is some legitimacy behind his statements.

I greatly enjoyed Catch 22, and I think it is most definitely a classic. It is fun, smart, and very witty. It pokes fun at military authority, specifically, but the parody can be applied to any hierarchical system. And the characters are all very fascinating and real. I think that even I recognize some of these characters in my own life. The story itself can be blurry at times and it is not the easiest book to read, but it is also very funny. Once you finish this book it makes a lot more sense than when you are reading it. I would suggest this title to anyone who is a good reader, who likes thinking about things, and enjoys a good laugh. I am very glad to have chosen Catch 22.