What Is Catch-22?

In chapter 5, Doc Daneeka explains Catch-22—the warped, paradoxical law that ruled the men’s lives during the war—to Yossarian. Catch-22 was essentially created to benefit the lawmakers. Catch-22 put the men in a permanent state for as long as the bureaucrats desired. For instance, when Yossarian reaches forty-eight missions, by law, he is allowed to go home. However, Doc Daneeka informs Yossarian that by the order of Catch-22, while Yossarian can go home, there is nothing saying that he must go home. From this point on, all the men, including Yossarian, experience aggravating circumstances, all thanks to Catch-22.