Questions About Catch-22

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Answered Questions (30)

Bob G. Catch-22 gets better as you move through it. The book can be viewed as a set of loosely-connected short stories with a large cast of characters. It ta…moreCatch-22 gets better as you move through it. The book can be viewed as a set of loosely-connected short stories with a large cast of characters. It takes time for the chapters to mesh. Heller will answer your questions at intervals along the way, too.

After 50 pages, I was wondering if I might abandon it, but I chose to trust the opinions of older readers. After 100 pages, I was starting to like it. After 150 pages, I was sold, and I started thinking I might have to re-read the first 100 pages after I finished the book. This is one of my favorites, and I'm glad I found the patience to give it the chance it deserves. (less)

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is the story mundane??

Arindam It's probably as mundane as being abducted by aliens in the middle of a long ride into area 51 and then returning home after a brief stint at cleaning…moreIt's probably as mundane as being abducted by aliens in the middle of a long ride into area 51 and then returning home after a brief stint at cleaning the spaceship but that was the sole reason you were abducted anyway. I'll implore anyone who loves reading to give it a go if only for its quirky and dark satirical style. (less)

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How much did the sexism (or misogyny) bother you in Catch-22?

Kyle I have to admit it bothered me quite a bit. Though I liked the satiric, screwball style, and form of the novel, the persistent objectification of wome…moreI have to admit it bothered me quite a bit. Though I liked the satiric, screwball style, and form of the novel, the persistent objectification of women and attempted comedy of sexual assault I found disturbing. If Catch-22 were taught in high school or middle school I think it would send a really wrong message to young women (and young men). (less)

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what's the catch?

Rick There is only one catch and that is Catch-22. If you knew what the catch was I could tell you, but since you don't know, I can't. If you did know I co…moreThere is only one catch and that is Catch-22. If you knew what the catch was I could tell you, but since you don't know, I can't. If you did know I could tell you, but I wouldn't because I wouldn't need to. That's the catch.

There is another side to the catch that I could tell you about but I can only tell if you don't ask me what it is, but since you asked, I can't. I can tell everyone else in the world what the catch is because they didn't ask, but I won't because if they don't have enough interest to ask then why should I tell them.(less)

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Can anyone share a technique to read this book without getting overwhelmed by the characters being introduced (i can't seem to follow if the characters are new or the same sometimes). And also the form and structure of the book: sometimes i feel very interested in continuing because of humor and then let down by character introductions and background (which i have mostly forgotten as i have moved along)?

Joel My advice is take it as a stream and don’t overthink it. I supplemented the paper book with the audiobook and when I felt stuck I listened to the audi…moreMy advice is take it as a stream and don’t overthink it. I supplemented the paper book with the audiobook and when I felt stuck I listened to the audiobook. IMO you don’t need to catch every little detail(less)

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