Scribd
Upload
25 views3 pages

Catch-22 Detailed Summary

Catch-22 is set on the fictional island of Pianosa during World War II, following Captain John Yossarian, who is obsessed with death and the absurdity of war. The novel explores themes of bureaucratic madness, the illogical nature of military regulations, and the tragic consequences of conflict, culminating in Yossarian's decision to desert for freedom. The title 'Catch-22' symbolizes the paradoxical rules that trap individuals in a cycle of powerlessness and absurdity.

Uploaded by

Khan Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
25 views3 pages

Catch-22 Detailed Summary

Catch-22 is set on the fictional island of Pianosa during World War II, following Captain John Yossarian, who is obsessed with death and the absurdity of war. The novel explores themes of bureaucratic madness, the illogical nature of military regulations, and the tragic consequences of conflict, culminating in Yossarian's decision to desert for freedom. The title 'Catch-22' symbolizes the paradoxical rules that trap individuals in a cycle of powerlessness and absurdity.

Uploaded by

Khan Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Catch-22: Detailed Summary and Title Significance

Setting & Structure

Set on a fictional island, Pianosa, during World War II. Told in a non-linear, circular structure, often repeating

events from multiple perspectives and gradually revealing the full picture.

Part 1: Introduction to Absurdity

Yossarian's Fear: Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Force, is paranoid and

obsessed with death. He's convinced that everyone is trying to kill him, not just the enemy, but even his own

superiors through absurd missions.

The Hospital: Yossarian spends time in the hospital faking a liver condition. It's a safe haven, allowing him to

escape flying missions temporarily. He censors letters in absurd ways, signing them as 'Washington Irving' or

'Irving Washington'.

Part 2: The Madness of Bureaucracy

Catch-22 Explained: The novel's central paradox: If a soldier is crazy, he can be grounded. But if he asks to

be grounded, he is sane, since self-preservation is a rational response. Therefore, no one can ever escape

the war by reason of insanity.

Rising Mission Counts: Colonel Cathcart, obsessed with pleasing his superiors, keeps raising the number of

missions required for soldiers to go home. Every time Yossarian gets close to finishing, the target increases.

Part 3: Portraits of Madness and Hypocrisy

Milo Minderbinder: A mess officer who turns war into a capitalist enterprise, forming a global syndicate:

'Everyone has a share.' He makes deals with both sides, even arranges to bomb his own squadron if it's
Catch-22: Detailed Summary and Title Significance

profitable.

Snowden's Death: A central trauma. Snowden is hit by shrapnel and dies in Yossarian's arms. The phrase

'Man was matter' repeats as Yossarian watches Snowden's intestines spill out, reinforcing the brutality and

meaninglessness of war.

Part 4: Tragedy and Disillusionment

Nately's Death: Yossarian's friend Nately, who naively believes in American ideals, is killed in action. His

prostitute girlfriend blames Yossarian and repeatedly tries to stab him.

McWatt's Suicide and Other Deaths: Many of Yossarian's comrades die or go mad, showing the cost of a

system without humanity.

Part 5: Rebellion and Escape

Yossarian's Breaking Point: After all he witnesses, Yossarian refuses to fly more missions. He is

court-martialed but is offered a deal to go home if he lies for his commanders.

The Ending: He learns Orr escaped to Sweden. Inspired, Yossarian deserts, choosing freedom over blind

obedience.

Title Significance

Catch-22 is the central concept and symbol of the novel. It represents a logical paradox where one cannot

escape a situation because the rules are contradictory.


Catch-22: Detailed Summary and Title Significance

Symbolic Meaning:

1. Bureaucratic Absurdity

2. Powerlessness of the Individual

3. Universal Paradox

You might also like