(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Catch 22


            In the novel, Catch-22, by Joseph Heller, the main character, John Yossarian, is an example of a person with intelligent ideas, but actions that reflect those of an insane person. This is indeed a case of appearance versus reality; he appears to be insane, but really his ideas are somewhat sober and convincing in the novel. Yossarian is not the only example of this throughout history; many political leaders have demonstrated the same. The views of Communist Russia can be compared to those of Yossarian. Russia appeared to be concerned with the will of the proletariat, but it only encouraged the strength of the leaders. The same can be said for Germany while under Nazi rule; Hitler appeared to be doing his work for the good of Germany, when in reality, he was murdering the innocent. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the equivalent of a Canadian Thomas Jefferson, fought for the liberties of the person, but had no problem removing them during the FLQ crisis. Yossarian is an example for the political minds throughout history; he represents the hidden agenda and what is kept from public knowledge. His pragmatism and ideological views are conflicting throughout the novel, much like the views of politicians.
             Yossarian's goal is to prove to the other people around him that he is actually insane. By proving this, Yossarian will be able to leave Pianosa and return home to America. But, Yossarian was not actually insane he had to come across as insane, so that his goal of leaving the war would be accomplished. He appeared to be insane but his mental faculties were completely intact. The same can be said for Stalin, who appeared to have concern for the working class Russian citizens, but actually, only wanted to gain power through their exploitation. .
             In the novel, many characters see Yossarian as an insane person. Heller even tries to get the reader to believe that Yossarian is insane by describing him as having, "an unreasonable belief that everybody around him was crazy, a homicidal impulse to machine-gun strangers, retrospective falsification, an unfounded suspicion that people hated him and were conspiring to kill him"(29).


Essays Related to Catch 22


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question