Absurdity In Catch 22

Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 tells the story of Captain John Yossarian and the 256th Squadron, a group of U.S. bombardiers based on the Mediterranean island of Pianosa. The novel is set during World War II but, unlike the majority of war novels, it does not focus on the relations between sides or the war itself, rather it describes the interactions within this particular group. Its chapters, which are structured in the form of small stories, speak to the experiences, ambitions and personalities of the many colourful characters (Generals, Corporals, Mission Aviators, Doctors, and others) who are involved in the war. Catch-22 examines the illogical nature of war and the contrast between rhetoric and reality. Heller demonstrates the futility of conflict
This rule not only governs the war, and more specifically its participants, by eliminating their ability to choose to leave, but establishes this inescapable circular logic within the broader decision-making process of the bureaucracy, therefore, setting a precedent for inaction and
Milo’s syndicate begins as a small trading business to supply the squadron— mainly those in command— with goods beyond their traditional rations. The character of Milo Minderbinder, as his name begins to suggest, is fairly absurd to begin with— he bewilders everyone by managing to buy goods and sell them at a lower price whilst still turning a profit. Over the course of Catch-22, the absurdity of Milo’s syndicate as well as the complexity of his transactions continually grow until he has attained grand transnational