Great pieces of literature are influenced by their author'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 ... 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 envi...

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

... Joseph Heller published Catch-22, his first novel. Based on his own war experiences, the novel wickedly satirized bureaucracy, patriotism, and all manner of traditional American ideals. This was reflective of the increasing disdain for traditional viewpoints that was growing in America at that time. (Potts, p. 13) The book soon became championed as another voice in the antiwar movement of the 1960's. However, Heller ... , from stupid causes, in stupid situations, by stupid mistakes. It is almost laughable except that it is not at all funny. This is what Heller gets across in some 400 page...

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

... 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 22" has surfaced meaning a "no win situation" it ... number of missions the men of his squadron must fly. Even though the army says they need fly only forty, a bureaucratic trap called "Catch 22" says they can't go home at forty because they must obey their commanding officers. ...

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