Catch 22 - Anti-war novel?
1." Catch-22 is not simply an anti-war novel." DiscussThe 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
Although Catch -22 may be portrayed as 'an anti-war novel', there are many other elements besides this basic theme that show that catch-22 is simply not just an 'anti-war novel'. The absurdity of this in the way in which the war demoralises soldiers, bring about, yet again, a very anti-warlike criticism where morals are concerned. This obsession can be closely connected as one of the aspects of war, where all men are seen as identical, with things like marches and uniform. In contrast, Mudd's things remain in Yossarian's tent because papers say that he is still officially alive. This shows that the 'system' looks after those who follow it's rules and those who do not question. 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'. Eventually, it is Yossarian who is arrested, (due to legal documents) and not Aarfy that is arrested, despite the seriousness of the crime. This again shows the mockery of war, and what it does to people, and therefore proving to be very anti-warlike. Absurdity throughout this novel seems to be a large theme. The theme of paper work throughout the novel gets to the point where the future of a person is dependant on the paperwork, again, the Yossarian and Aarfy situation can be used to represent this. The soldier appears twice, and all that can be seen is plaster and bandage. Here, it can be said that 'moral value disintegrate in business of war'. 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.
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,
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