In Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22, the central conflict revolves around the absurdity of war and the bureaucratic structures that govern soldiers’ lives. The protagonist, Captain John Yossarian, is a United States Army Air Force B-25 bombardier who is desperate to escape the war and the insane rules that come with it.
The main conflict, known as the ‘Catch-22’ itself, is a military regulation that creates a no-win situation for the soldiers. According to this rule, a soldier can be declared insane and unfit to fly dangerous combat missions if they request to be relieved from duty. However, if they make such a request, it demonstrates their rationality, thus disqualifying them from being considered insane. This paradox showcases the illogical nature of the military bureaucracy and highlights the struggles individuals face when trying to maintain their sanity and humanity in a dehumanizing environment.
Additionally, the novel explores various conflicts, such as Yossarian’s personal battle against the expectations of duty versus the instinct for self-preservation, the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, and the absurdity of power structures. All these elements come together to create a rich tapestry of conflict that reflects the chaos and futility of war.