1. A complex, chaotic structure makes
the novel difficult to follow. How might this structure parallel,
represent, and/or elevate themes in the story? How does Heller piece
together the chronology of events?
2. Heller’s dialogue style is reminiscent of Abbott and Costello’s
“Who’s on First?” comic routine of the 1940s. How does Heller use this
back-and-forth disorderly logic to develop character?
3. Chapters tend to be named for individuals in the story; however,
titles are deceptive because they tend to be about other characters. Why
might Heller have named chapters after one character but have written
them about another?
4. Yossarian shares a tent with a “dead man.” What role does this
mysterious character play?
5. Chief White Halfoat is illiterate, yet he is assigned to military
intelligence. Identify and discuss other examples of Heller’s cynicism
toward the government and/or other institutions.
6. Choose a poignant passage/scene. How does Heller make this
passage/scene work (e.g., how does he evoke emotion in the reader)?
7. Of the multiple characters in the story, which are you drawn to the
most? Why? Are there any completely moral characters in the story?
Explain.
8. Major Major is described as “the most mediocre of men.” What do the
events in his past and present life tell us about humanity and destiny?
9. Both Captain Wren and Captain Piltchard are described as “mild” and
“soft-spoken” officers, and they love the war. Why might their
personalities be fitting for someone who loves the war?
10. Yossarian returns to the hospital several times. What role do the
hospital settings play in the story? In what way might the hospital
settings foil the bombing/war scenes? In what way might they be
reflective times for Yossarian? For other characters?
11. Compare and contrast Colonel Cathcart and Colonel Korn. Are they
both hypocrites? Why or why not?
12. Circumstances surrounding Snowden’s death are revealed slowly. What
does his death mean to Yossarian? To others?
13. Discuss the significance of déjà vu in the story and how it relates
to religious faith.
14. While much of the novel is military satire, the story does delve
into the private sector. How might Mrs. Daneeka be a satirical
character?
15. One of the ironies of the story occurs at the end in which Yossarian
has an opportunity to go home a hero. In essence, he has the system in a
Catch-22. Explain.
16. Discuss whether the ending of Catch-22 is uplifting or
downbeat. Is it a victory or a defeat?
17. Most of the characters in Catch-22 are over-the-top in the
sense that, in many ways, they are caricatures of themselves. What must
Heller have known about humanity to make them all so recognizable?
18. What do you believe is Heller’s view of a capitalistic society?
19. Is Catch-22 a comic novel or a story of morality? Explain.
20. What does Catch-22 say about war?
21. Discuss the literary significance of Catch-22 and its
relevance in the twenty-first century.
22. How does Catch-22 compare to other war stories you have read?
How does it compare to other satires
23. How might Catch-22 be described as an allegory?
24. Discuss how the novel can be described as a struggle between the
individual and an institution.
25. Discuss the meaning of sanity as it applies to the story.