Download
1 / 21
E N D
100 Best Where does Catch 22 fall?
1 One of the most challenging aspects of this novel is piecing together the order in which events occur. How does Heller manipulate time, fragment the action and confuse cause and affect? More importantly, how does this confusing form fit the function? In other words, how does the way in which this story is told fit with what is actually happening in the story?
2 How is insanity defined in Catch-22? What characteristics do "crazy" characters have? Is madness the norm or an exception during wartime?
3 Does there seem to be any system of justice in the novel? Are "good" characters rewarded while "evil" ones punished? Can we clearly say who is "good" or "evil"? If not, is there such thing as justice at all?
4 Define the logic of Catch-22. What part does this logic play in the story being told?
5 Catch-22 is an allegory of the common man vs. the bureaucracy of modern-day America. In Catch-22, how does the administration of the Air Force abuse its power? How does it keep its men enlisted and active? If it doesn't care for the well-being of its men, what are its goals?
6 Are there any purely "good" characters in the book? If so, who are they and how is their goodness expressed? On the other hand, how do the more flawed characters demonstrate their cynicism, deceit, blindness, or lust for power?
7 Few of the characters ever form lasting friendships with fellow soldiers. How is the individual kept isolated from his peers? In what ways do they cope with their loneliness?
8 Some critics have said that Yossarian is one of the first characters in modern American literature to fight against a powerful system. Imagine yourself in his position. Would you make the same choices he did? Why or why not? Does it make sense to fight powerful systems like the military? Can you think of any causes that might be worth fighting for?
9 According to Joseph Heller, “The only freedom we really have is the freedom to say no.” Explain what you think he means by this statement; then debate its philosophical merits. Do you agree or disagree with him? Support your opinion with examples from historical and personal experience. For example, how does the above statement compare with the “just say no” catchphrase from the war against drugs?
10 Analyze the impact of Heller’s choice of a satiric writing style on his novel. Would the book have been as effective if it had been written in a more serious manner? How might readers’ responses to the novel have been different? Would the book have the same meaning if the style were different?
11 WouldCatch-22 have been as popular if it had been published during World War II, rather than almost two decades after it ended? How might readers’ reactions to it have differed? Would it still have become a classic of American literature? Discuss how the time in which a book is published might or might not affect its success.
12 Catch-22 is strongly critical of many societal institutions, including medicine, business, religion, government, and the military. Are Heller’s criticisms still valid? How do your experiences with large societal institutions—such as the public school system (Timberland), your church, your community—compare with those inCatch-22?
Catch 22 Definition: A problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule. Context: The summary of our story is essentially this: 1) You can stop flying combat missions if you are mentally incompetent. 2) Wanting to stop flying combat missions means you are mentally competent. 3) Therefore, no one can stop flying combat missions.
Paradox Definition: A statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true. Context: The team found it to be something of a paradox when the coach cut practice short because of their poor performance.
Capitalism Definition: An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market. Context: Capitalism is an economic system that allows much freedom but provides few protections.(p.s. the middle class is dying)
Farce Definition: A light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot. Context: For the class play competition, the seniors wrote a hilarious farce in which the school administrators act like buffoons.
Paranoia Definition: A tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and mistrustfulness of others. Context: The manager dismissed Alice’s frequent complaints of harassment from other employees because he thought they were a product of her paranoia.
Satire Definition: A literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn. Context: Although satire is often humorous, writers often use it to make serious statements about societal conditions.
Works Cited Bryfonski, Phyllis and Carmel Mendelson, eds. Contemporary Literary Criticism, v. 8. Detroit: Gale Research, 2009. Harte, Barbara and Carolyn Riley, eds. Contemporary Authors, New Revision Series, v. 66. Detroit: Gale Research, 2007. Moritz, Charles, ed. A Review of Catch 22. New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 1994.
