Paradoxical Endeavors

By Anthony M.

Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is a satirical novel inspired by World War II, commenting on the absurdity of war and the moral bindings that restrict soldiers during their enlistments. This novel focuses on John Yossarian, an everyman soldier who constantly tries to escape the tight grasp of war. The title is inspired by the dilemma the protagonist and other soldiers face: any rationale for leaving the war is viewed as a plea of sanity and sane people are ineligible to be relieved, so they must continue fighting. This novel was not received upon its first publication as it is today, for both its tone and graphic content. More than 50 years later, however, Catch-22 remains at close to the top of best novel lists by publications such as Time, Newsweek, and the Modern Library.

Joseph Heller creates a novel that, read without the right motivation, will confuse the reader immensely. With many different plot points and a varied narrative structure this novel is at times hard to follow. However, Heller makes up for it by repeating key phrases and scenes to help orientate the reader. The narrative, as confusing as it is sometimes, is overshadowed by the wildly entertaining story Heller writes and the message he drives home. War is an absolutely insane institution run by insane bureaucrats who try to control insane soldiers who engage in insane acts. Heller's novel is, in fact, insane, but is so spot on that readers are forced to look beneath the surface and enlighten themselves on the paradoxical antics of the military and its controlling forces.

This book is a must-read for everyone even remotely old enough to think about enlisting in the military. This novel not only sheds light on a broken institution, but also captivates its audience through comical scenes and interactions. Although it is quite lengthy, this novel should be on the top of every single reading list of people who want to educate themselves on the misconceptions and power struggles of the world.

Catch-22, Joseph Heller, 1961, 463 pages