In the novel Catch-22 Joseph Heller talks about many issues dealing with war. The details in Catch-22 point towards a theme that supports Heller's view. Heller expresses his theme by making each character represent certain aspects of society that he wishes to oppose. Although Heller illustrates many important themes, the most crucial theme in Catch-22 is the depiction of the corruption of social systems through morally irresponsible characters. Heller portrays these social systems in a rather negative way.
             In Catch-22, Heller portrays people who contribute little to the world around them. Heller also portrays people unable to fulfill their duties. The Chaplain for example continues to fail in his obligations of spiritually uniting the military unit. Heller sows what the chaplain is thinking by saying no one "seemed really to appreciate that he Chaplain Albert Taylor Tappman, was not just a chaplain but a human being"(280). He constantly reminds himself that people view him as an object rather than a human being, and he wonders, "Why couldn't anyone understand that he was not really a freak but a normal lonely adult, trying to lead a normal lonely adult life."(280). Similarly, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the society in which they live.People also desire to have the ability to complete their assgined tasks because they achieve respect. Like the Chaplain , many people only desire respect.The soldiers do not give the Chaplain the respect he wants because he does not know how to do his job.He is unable to motivate the soldiers spiritually and, at the same time, he is incapable of taking a stand against the abusive orders of colonel Cathcart. After the Chaplain objects to an order, Colonel Cathcart "pushed the Chaplain's chest hard and knocked him back down into the chair, and the Chaplain was suddenly weak and very much afraid"(393). The Chaplain feels "helpless and alone" when talking to Colonel Cathcart (277). The Chapla...