The protagonist Yossarian is an antihero as he is unsuccessful in changing his situation. Yossarian is a lead bombardier pilot in World War II and becomes consumed with the fact that people he has not even met keep trying to kill him. He is convinced to "remain alive forever or die in the attempt" (Heller, 89). The more combat missions Yossarian flies the more intense his struggle with life becomes. Yossarian is constantly frustrated with his situation. One of his frustrations is the small crawlway leading out of the plane used in the event of an emergency. He believes "it is an obstacle put there by providence a

Joseph Heller's novel displays the irrational nature of mankind. One of the cities that was strategically bombed was Bologna. The soldiers knew that fighting Bologna was the equivalent of fighting a pack of wolves for a slab of raw meat. The chances of survival were less than fifty percent due to the city's superior anti-aircraft guns. As the men were about to embark on their mission a rainstorm showers the area. The mission was postponed and the men returned to the briefing tent where the map was. "They congregated in the darkness with flashlights, continuing their macabre vigil at the bomb line in brooding entreaty as though hoping to move the ribbon up by the collective weight of their sullen prayers" (Heller, 129). To their surprise, the rain cleared shortly after and the flight to Bologna became inevitable. During the bombing run, Clevinger and Yossarian stepped aside as confused spectators and Clevinger stated, " you and I must be the only rational ones left" (Heller, 132). In an American bomber squadron infested with irrational minds and actions, the chances of a few individuals remaining rational is highly unlikely, especially Yossarian. At times Major Major Major also appears to be without the faculty of reason (Yes, that is his whole name with rank). His primary job was to sign documents all day long. One day the Major decided to humour himself and signed "Washington Irving's name to the rest of the official documents" (Heller, 102). He believed that signing Washington Irving's name to essential documents was entertaining and far less monotonous than signing Major Major Major. To make matters more enticing he never got caught for forging a name that he made up from a figment of his imagination. Major Major Major had sinned, "and it was good, for none of the documents to which he signed Washington Irving's name never came back! Here at last was progress and Major, Major threw himself into a new career with uninhibited gusto" (Heller, 103). Certainly forgery wasn't looked upon as much of a career, however it gave Major. Major, Major a strong sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, Colonel Cathcart demonstrated the great impact his sound judgements had on others. Colonel Cathcart inquired to the chaplain about holding religious services in the briefing room before each mission. This would raise the morale and spirits of the soldiers. Although the Colonel was not too keen on "any sermons about God or death or paradise" (Heller, 202) and believed that keeping "away from the subject of religion altogether" (Heller, 202) was in the best interest of the men. He believed a more positive and unique approach should be implemented. Praying for a tighter bomb pattern was much more beneficial and practical then worshipping the waters and valley's of God. Surely the men would be greatful to pray for a cause they can understand and relate to. Besides General Peckem feels "it makes a much nicer aerial photograph w

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Approximate Word count = 1990
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)