Max Pezoldt’s Reviews > Catch-22 > Status Update

I haven't gotten to the "best chapter in literature" yet but these last couple of chapters have been very captivating and especially with the analyzing that we have completed in class. I finally understand the different views that Heller is trying to implement within the story based on the audience.

Catch-22 is getting easier and easier to read and more entertaining as I'm finally understanding the different people and all their roles within the story. What is confusing is that the last two or three chapters have all had parts where people are said to be dead, but then they aren't really dead. I don't think they are but then they continue to announce that the person is dead. These parts genuinely confuse me.

The chaplain is constantly worried about deja vu and he doesn't understand it and starts to freak out and asks Yossarian what it is. He also them rambles on about seeing his wife and his kids die all the time as he is lonely and wants to write love letters to her. He seems to be sick and I think he is just so lost that these many thoughts appear in his head.

This chapter, chapter 18, involves Yossarian and Lieutenant Scheisskopf's wife arguing about God even though they are both technically atheist but the wife seems to be extremely sad and mad when Yossarian talks harshly towards God. Also Yossarian tricks the hospital system so that he can get more days there and he meets a doctor who knows what he is doing but doesn't try to stop him, rather helps him.

From the start the book has really held my attention with Yossarian and all the other characters that are introduced. It did get a little boring in the middle when it became hard to understand what really was going on and what Heller was saying but once I understood him speaking of the poor ways the troops and people are treated, then it brought me back and was way more entertaining up to the point I am now.