... 's life and the times in which they were written. These two factors combine to make literature that is both entertaining and meaningful to readers. Joseph Heller's outrageously funny and very affecting novel Catch-22 is a perfect example. Heller draws on his past and alludes to events happening during the time in which he wrote to create what the Chicago Sun-Times called "an ... apocalyptic masterpiece." Heller's past is very evident throughout Catch-22. Joseph Heller grew up in Coney Island, New York, a town famous for its carnival atmosphere and attractions (Biography 1). This environm...

• Word Count: 896
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In 1961, Joseph Heller published Catch-22, his first novel. Based on his own war experiences, the novel wickedly satirized bureaucracy, patriotism, and all manner of ... rebellion against the standards of the Eisenhower era. Catch-22 follows the experiences of Yossarian, a bombardier stationed near Italy during World War II. Yossarian is clearly representative of Heller; indeed, he could be considered an everyman. (Kiley, p. 336) Because of a traumatic experience, which is revealed bit by bit throughout the novel, Yossarian is terrified ... bloody, gut-wrenching mess. (Potts, p.22) Indeed, ...

• Word Count: 1131
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... of communism is ruining lives. The country moves closer and closer to the Korean war. Joseph Heller's Catch 22 is published. 1963- College students are seen wearing army fatigues with "Yossarian" name tags. Reports are being made about a "Heller Cult". Bumper stickers are manufactured which read, "Better Yossarian then Rotarian". The phrase "Catch ... be crazy to fly, and only a sane person would ask to stop, Yossarian is therefore not crazy and is ordered to continue flying his missions. Heller also demonstrates the effect war has on one's mind. All of the pilot's are coping (except Yos...

• Word Count: 860
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School