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Catch-22 Analysis


Seeing all soldiers as being the same, with little individuality, as shown by SHITHEAD's thoughts, reveals that human life holds little value and is used merely for the advancement of certain individuals. A similar situation can be seen in the manner which Cathcart treats his squadron. He does not value the lives of his men, but even more frightening, he places them in high-risk situations for personal gain without once thinking of the consequence of losing his soldiers. This can clearly be seen every time Cathcart decides to increase the number of missions to gain recognition for having flown the most missions. Cathcart views the soldiers as mere stepping stones along his path towards fame, all serving a soul purpose to advance him in the military world. .
             Comical in style and language, the message that Catch-22 introduces to its reader is one of a grim world's decay. Heller's fictional story portrays absurd characters and situations, but the underlying theme of human decadence is clearly visible, especially in the last portion of the book. Heller's attitude towards his characters also gives way to an overwhelming tone of pity and sorrow for the world and its population. An overall theme of the novel depicts a general loss to humanity, in particular a distinct loss of individuality among the soldiers of Pianosa. The wartime atmosphere that surrounds the book and its characters helps bring about this evil. Much of the blame can be placed in the hands of particular characters, such as Milo, Scheisskopf, and Cathcart, who take advantage of the wartime hysteria for their personal gain. The rest of the blame can be accounted as the evils of war and the squadron's compliance to the evil around them. Although the book starts with a variety of characters who take part in different activities that enrich their community, it also shows a pattern of slowly diminishing individuality among them.


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