Dichotomy of Irrationality and Rationality as a Device in Catch-22

Abstract

The main focus of this thesis is to expose the risks and dangers constructed by the superiors during the Second World War. In such circumstances, the protagonist, Yossarian is able to establish his rationality even though he pretends of being irrational in front of the military machine. He has to present himself as irrational to survive and live military life under the irrational rules ofCatch-22. It evokes how rules are applied on the common people. Moreover, it exposes how highly posted people play the game of power through discourses rejecting the lives of common individuals.