The basic theme can comes across to the readers in Catch 22, is that of 'anti-war'. This theme is reflected throughout the novel in a number of different ways. A prime example may be the large amount of' 'black comedy' included causing the novel to obtain a mockery, yet horror in the whole idea of war. This happens throughout the novel with certain events that readers may find initially amusing, but the final reaction proves so portray a rather ghastly and digested opinion of war. There are other events in which there is no comedy and the portrayal of war is simply horrific. An example of this would be the 'death of Snowden', "Yossarian ripped open the snaps of Snowden's flak suit, and heard himself scream widely as Snowden's insides slithered down to the floor in a soggy pile, and just kept on dripping out..."

This graphic description may be set out to show the truth of war, and the pain and horror of it all. The description itself will almost certainly get a very strong reaction from the reader, perhaps leading the reader to a very anti-war opinion.

As well as the portrayal of physical torture as an aspect of war, there is also a strong sug

This mental confusion can be closely linked with insanity, where the men ( or soldiers) find themselves trapped in a crazy world, where each man seek their own solution of how to deal with society. For example; Havermeyer shoots mice to pieces; McWatt buzzes tents dangerously; Yossarian censors letters till no sense remains,; Orr seeks to be shot down. All these aspects of each individual's personal insanity perhaps allows them some control over an 'insane war' that may kill them at anytime. This again adds to the plain 'absurdity' of war in general, therefore creating a very anti-war image in the novel, perhaps showing that insanity is the only way dealing with the crazy situations in war.

The example of the soldier in white proves somewhat a different example of the loss of individuality, as he is firstly, directly related tot he battlefield. The soldier appears twice, and all that can be seen is plaster and bandage. The absurdity, however, of the same fluid being recycled through the man suggests that he is just another in the system. It may represent those involved in the system, where the nurses are the leaders, and they just 'feed' in what they want, commanding the actions of the somewhat useless individual, such as the soldier in white who cant do any thing for himself.

However, there is not only an attack on 'American war' and morals in this novel, but also an attack on the 'American Dream' and specifically, American morals. Joseph Heller's views the years portrayed in the novel as a time of stress and tension. The American Dream shows that American's are free, they have the right of speech and have total freedom and can choose to do what they wish and should fight for their principles. This novel however, contradicts this 'dream', and again, may show the basic reality of the 'American system'. For example, most characters in this novel conform to the standards that the 'system' has set them, for example, they do not question the system itself. A prime and possibly the best example of the contradiction showing this novel of the American dream, is character Aarfy. This character is very much included in the system, and chooses not to question it. Therefore, Aarfy is looked after. Yossarian on the other hand, chooses to question the system, and wishes to break free of all involvement with it. He, however, therefore will be punished, as he on not conforming to the rules. An excellent example of where this theory can be shown is the event where Aarfy kills the nurse. Yossarian is present at the scene, and expects Aarfy to be arrested, but Aarfy 'knows' for a fact that

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lt Scheisskoft, Snowden' Yossarian, Dream American's, Yossarian's Catch, Joseph Heller, Eventually Yossarian, Doc Deeneka, Yossarian Aarfy, Joseph Heller's, throughout novel, catch 22, , loss individuality, psychological reality war, prime example, example yossarian, reality war, example amount, psychological reality, lt scheisskoft, aarfy arrested,
Approximate Word count = 1749
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)