Catch-22 Chapters 23-28

Author Joseph Heller creates a very interesting character, Milo, as a foil to the other American soldiers fighting World War II. Milo controls so much of the black market that he is actually working on both sides (American and German), which at times undermines the American bombing operations. He seems to be driven entirely by money and greed, without regard for his country. Milo even contracts German anti-aircraft guns to shoot down American planes, one of which was flown by a soldier who lived in Yossarian's tent. That soldier, Mudd, was killed and his belonging have kept the "stink of death" close to Yossarian. I wonder what he will do later in the story? Will he get caught and be charged for treason, or will he continue his less than honorable ways undetected throughout the war? More is revealed about the chaplain in chapter 25. Ironically, everyone seems to be very uncomfortable in his presence even though he is there to use his faith to comfort the soldiers. No one allows his into their lives and everyone shuns him. Even he begins to wonder about the existence of god. Through this encounter with the chaplain, Heller shows the readers that the war has truly taken its toll on even some of the most fundamental beliefs that many during times of peace taken for granted. War seems to overshadow even religion for a man who's occupation is dedicated to preaching the existence of a higher being. Situational irony is very prevalent in chapters 27-28. Yossarian feigns mental illness once again and this time the psychiatrist actually believes him and decides to send him home, something that he had wanted for a very long time. However, Yossarian switched his identity with a lower ranked man before the ordeal in hopes of getting sent home and as a result, that other man is sent home, while he stays on the front. Nothing seems to go in favor of the main character, which futher strengthens his cynicism.