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1. The Paradox of Catch-22
2. The Absurdity of War
3. The Illusion of Free Will
4. The Bureaucracy Trap
5. Satirical Characters
6. Yossarian’s Struggle for Survival
7. The Morality of War
8. The Dehumanization of Soldiers
9. The Role of Insanity
10. The Corruption of Authority
40
234 reads
The core of the novel is the Catch-22 rule: if soldiers declare themselves insane to avoid combat, they are deemed sane because the desire to avoid death is rational. Hence, they are forced to continue fighting.
“You’re insane if you fly, but you’re sane if you don’t—and that’s Catch-22.”
38
268 reads
The novel portrays war as irrational and absurd, highlighting the senselessness of violence and the chaos it breeds. Characters are caught in illogical circumstances with no way out.
“Insanity is contagious.”
36
227 reads
Yossarian, the protagonist, feels trapped by systems beyond his control. His desire to survive is continuously blocked by rules like Catch-22, which undermines any sense of true autonomy.
“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he’s on.”
36
198 reads
Military bureaucracy is depicted as nonsensical and self-serving. Orders and policies prioritize the interests of higher-ups rather than the well-being of the soldiers.
“Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.”
39
196 reads
The book is populated with absurd, satirical characters—such as Major Major and Doc Daneeka—who embody the irrationality and inefficiency of military and governmental systems.
“He was going to live forever, or die in the attempt.”
36
176 reads
Yossarian’s primary goal is survival, and he is willing to go to extreme lengths to avoid death. This self-preservation pits him against both his comrades and the system.
“Yossarian would never be able to escape the jungle of doubt and ambiguity surrounding him.”
36
156 reads
The novel questions the moral justifications for war, exploring how violence, survival, and duty blur the lines between good and evil.
“What does a sane man do in an insane society?”
37
148 reads
Soldiers are reduced to numbers and expendable resources. Their humanity is stripped away as they are shuffled between missions, often at the cost of their lives or sanity.
“He was a self-made man who owed his lack of success to nobody.”
38
146 reads
Insanity in the novel is portrayed as a reasonable response to an insane world. Many characters embody various forms of madness, whether through blind obedience or rebellion.
“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.”
38
135 reads
Commanding officers exploit their soldiers for personal gain or career advancement. They use their authority to protect themselves while making decisions that endanger others.
“Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can’t stop them from doing.”
36
121 reads
1. Catch-22 Paradox: A no-win situation that traps soldiers in an endless loop.
2. War’s Absurdity: The novel mocks the irrationality of conflict.
3. Illusion of Freedom: Soldiers are bound by rules beyond their control.
4. Bureaucratic Nonsense: Military systems are self-serving and illogical.
5. Satirical Characters: Absurd personalities highlight systemic failures.
38
119 reads
6. Yossarian’s Struggle: His desire for survival drives the plot.
7. Moral Dilemmas: The book questions the ethics of war.
8. Dehumanization: Soldiers are treated as expendable.
9. Madness: Insanity is shown as a logical response to war’s chaos.
10. Corrupt Authority: Leaders manipulate their power for selfish ends.
37
109 reads
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CURATOR'S NOTE
A satirical take on war’s absurdity, “Catch-22” explores survival, madness, and corrupt authority.
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