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Catch-22

Catch-22 is a satirical antiwar novel by Joseph Heller, first published in 1961.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Catch-22 is a satirical antiwar novel by Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. Set during World War II, it follows U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier John Yossarian as he tries to survive military bureaucracy, danger, and circular logic. The book popularized the term “catch-22” for a no-win situation created by contradictory rules.

Plot

The novel follows Yossarian and other servicemen stationed on Pianosa as they confront the dangers and absurdities of war. Its narrative is non-linear and includes episodes from training and military life, not just combat missions.

Themes

Catch-22 satirizes military bureaucracy, institutional logic, and the dehumanizing effects of war. It is also known for black humour, irony, and its portrayal of madness as a response to chaos.

Title and cultural impact

The term “catch-22” describes a situation where the solution is blocked by the rules of the problem itself. The novel helped popularize the expression, which is now used broadly in English.

Publication and reception

Published in 1961, the novel became a landmark of postwar American fiction. It has remained influential in discussions of war literature, satire, and anti-authoritarian writing.

Key facts

  • The novel is set during World War II and centres on the U.S. Army Air Forces.
  • Its plot follows Captain John Yossarian, who wants to avoid dangerous combat missions.
  • The title refers to a bureaucratic paradox that prevents airmen from being excused for insanity if they ask to be excused.
  • The phrase “catch-22” entered English as a term for a circular or no-win dilemma.
  • The book is widely regarded as a major work of American literature and war satire.
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Canadian context

Catch-22 is frequently studied in Canadian literature and history courses as a major example of antiwar satire and bureaucratic paradox, and the phrase “catch-22” is common in Canadian English.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Catch-22?
Joseph Heller wrote Catch-22.
When was Catch-22 published?
It was first published in 1961.
What is Catch-22 about?
It is about a World War II bombardier, John Yossarian, trying to survive dangerous missions and military absurdity.
What does “catch-22” mean?
It means a no-win situation in which the rules or logic of the problem block any solution.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Captain John Yossarian.
Where is the novel set?
Most of the novel takes place on the fictional Mediterranean island of Pianosa during World War II.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Catch-22-novel-by-Heller
    Supports: Author, publication year, title meaning, and definition of the term 'catch-22'.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch-22
    Supports: Setting, protagonist, and general plot context.
  3. LitCharts — https://www.litcharts.com/lit/catch-22/summary
    Supports: Plot summary, setting, and Yossarian's role.
  4. SparkNotes — https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/catch22/summary/
    Supports: Narrative overview and explanation of the paradoxical rule.
  5. Audible — https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-catch-22-by-joseph-heller
    Supports: Publication year, setting, and major literary significance.