Examples Of Paradox In Catch 22

Contrary to the popular belief that soldiers are heroic and masculine, in Catch 22, soldiers are depicted as weak and afraid of fighting. Yossarian and his troops avoid fighting by taking multiple trips to Rome and the hospital. The indifference of the characters towards the army, as well as the literary use of paradoxes, and the disorganization of the chapters, impresses upon the reader that the novel Catch 22 is a comical satirization of war.
Emphasized throughout the novel, is the troop’s disinterest of war. The troop’s uninvolvement establishes comedy because war is known to be serious and important. By showing the only important aspect of the war is the general’s desire for promotions, the novel contradicts war’s purpose. Additionally, the troops have no interest in fighting, rather they care about self survival. Yossarian admits himself to the hospital multiple times, to get out of fighting and ensure his survival. Not once does a character think about the political or logical aspects of the …show more content…
The main paradox presented is the paradox of Catch 22. Catch 22 is a clause of war stating if one is crazy, one does not have to fly missions. It further states, that if a person applies to be excused from military service by reasoning of insanity, then he is not considered crazy and must continue serving. The catch of Catch 22 is one that prevails throughout the novel and influences the actions of Yossarian. One paradox figure, is Major Major. Major Major is the weakest character in the novel, but despite his weakness he was promoted. His promotion is a paradox because while he is weak, he maintains a strong position. Another paradox figure is Major —— de Coverley, who despite his position, takes no part in the war. The repetition of paradoxes as well as paradox figures achieves a comical sense due to the flawed logic of the troops and the summary of the themes displayed throughout the