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Catch 22

 

             Books about war are notorious for glorifying the soldiers fighting the battles as heroes or respectable figures. "Catch 22," by Joseph Heller, however, does the opposite. Set during World War II, "Catch 22" depicts a story that, in my opinion, is more believable. The characters in the novel detest the war and want out, quarrel with one another, drink and make fools of themselves among other activities that are not usually portrayed as things American soldiers would partake in. Such depictions of the soldiers have made my view on American military policies and soldiers themselves change.
             In the novel "Catch 22," the soldiers acted more like an average human being rather than the honorable heroes most war novels depict soldiers as. The soldiers do things like lie and cheat, avoid the war as much as possible and even spend nights with prostitutes. Acts such as these are not what someone would expect to read about American soldiers. I, however, find this easier to believe. The soldiers are, after all, human, and it is rare to find a human that lives by strict, honorable morals and values. Not only did this sometimes brutal honesty about how soldiers act make for a more believable novel, but it has also caused me to have more respect for soldiers. No longer do I view them as the inhuman protectors of the nation, but rather as a fellow American. Honestly, I know that there is not any American who is perfect in any way. Granted, some people may be respectable and may help people in unbelievable ways, but no one is truly perfect. Now that I have a reason to believe that soldiers are also not perfect, I can accept them as people. Not only have my views on soldiers been affected by "Catch 22," but my view on America's military in general has as well.
             While reading "Catch 22," I found myself thwarted by the misuse of power. The officers" abuse of power for their own benefit was the part that most roused me, though.


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