Heller's Use Of Patriotism Analysis

Joseph Heller employs satire when presenting the patriotic sentiment of the novel’s characters as to illustrate the ramifications of such fervor - both in one’s actions and disposition. Through his use of satire, Heller presents how patriotism can prompt individuals to actively support a movement, or entity, without much consideration of the integrity behind the movement (simply because it parade’s under the same banner). For instance, Heller exemplifies this type of blind following in the Glorious Loyalty Oath Crusade spearheaded by Captain Black. Using his doctrine of Continual Reaffirmation, the captain requires all soldiers to prove their loyalty to the US each day by signing these ‘loyalty oaths.’ This doctrine of ‘Continual Reaffirmation’ …show more content…
By increasing the number of flight missions, even later on in the novel where the Allies have essentially won the war, Cathcart presents how the soldiers are dispensable resources. Heller voices a conflicting standpoint to patriotism in Nately’s conversation with the old, Italian man in chapter twenty three. In this conversation, the old man challenges Nately’s notion of patriotism - which is a romantic vision of a strong, proud unity of citizens - where he states that Italy is strong for its willingness to adapt to whichever world power currently occupies them. Furthermore, the old man refutes that one should die for his country; rather, the old man states that one should live even on one knee instead of to die standing up. Moreover, the old man presents how a country is often distinguished through arbitrary, ‘unnatural’ boundaries, and that with, ‘so many countries, surely all can’t be worth dying for.’ In the conversation, the old man also foretells or predicts Nately’s death as he does not think Nately is properly equipped to survive the