Catch-22

Brief Overview

«Catch-22» is a satirical novel written by Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. The book tells the story of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy during World War II. The central theme of the novel is the bureaucratic absurdity and its impact on the lives of those fighting in the war. The title comes from a fictional military rule, 'Catch-22,' which states that a pilot can be considered insane if he requests to be relieved from flying missions due to insanity. However, the desire to avoid dangerous missions is seen as a sign of sanity, making it impossible to be relieved on the grounds of madness. This paradox highlights the irrationality of war and military bureaucracy, creating a no-win situation. Through black humor and absurdity, Heller critiques the military command and societal norms of the time.