Catcb-22

Catch-22, by Joseph Heller, is a masterful novel about the experiences of an American bombardier in World War II. The novel is a satirical and ironic approach to the realities of war, and how incredibly cruel battle can be. The novel is essentially a paradox-the humorous and contradictory nature of the characters' dialogue set against the grisly and gruesome details that will take the reader by surprise. The novel is mainly weighted with the dialogue, so the reader can have the false impression that the mood of the novel is light and meant for amusement. However, this is not the case. Catch-22's purpose was (and is) to serve as a wake-up call for all those in favor of war, in particular World War II. The story is told in such a way that upon first finishing it, the reader will be left with the impression of a pleasant, jocular tone, a host of lovable and laughable characters, and a happy ending to all of Yossarian's troubles. However, upon further rumination and a second glance, the reader will remember the horrid and expressive scenes of warfare that are scattered throughout the novel, as well as the haunting remembrances of Yossarian's fallen comrades. All in all, the mood can come across as quite chilly and morbid at a second glance, despite the good-humored tone in which the novel is told.

So if its so depressing, why should you bother? Good question. Not only does the book carry an important message and theme, it is also genuinely a fun novel to read. The characters are, quite literally insane, and the actions border on the ridiculous. Not only that, but the novel has become the basis for an idiomatic expression that depicts a "no-win" situation. By reading the novel, it will help explain how that expression came to be. There are not many great American novel's out there that are humorous and didactic, but Catch-22 definitely fits the bill. So the next time that your English teacher assigns an essay on a lauded literary classic, look no further.