Catch22: Chapter 40-42

These final chapters of Catch-22 resolve some of the major issues caused by World War II in Yossarian's life. After Yossarian is arrested in Rome, he is brought in front of his commanding officers, who finally offer him the option of going home even though the reoccuring logical loophole Catch-22 does not allow to without consessions. However, he would have to act as a puppet for the Colonels, which would entail him betraying the men he served with. Ironically, this catch is not enough to keep Yossarian from considering the opportunity and actually decides to take the deal. However, Nately's whore decides to stab him again (which amost mortally wounds him again). This actually turns out to be the experience that makes him realize his mistake in taking the deal.

In the hospital, Yossarian is semi-conscious and encounters his previously deceased friends who make him realize that betraying them is morally wrong even if it means that he gets to return home. When he wakes up in the hospital he finds out that his only remaining living friend is dead, he now has nothing left. This actually acts as the final factor in helping him determine his decision. When he confronts the colonels, he standing up to them and assertively tells them that he will not take the deal. At the very end of the book, Yossrian decides to run to Sweden. Heller runs into the distance which symbolizes his freedom from all of the burdens of war, an appropriate ending to Catch-22. Throughout the whole book, the effect of war is the most important idea. The protagonist, Yossarian, has a very cynical view of war and by induction, human nature in general because of the horrible experiences that he has encountered. Death is an unavoidable reality in war and Yossarian is greatly affected by the death of his close comrads. Author Joseph Heller, effectively achieves his purpose of portraying the realities of war.