In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the narrative explores the absurdities of war and the complexities of military bureaucracy. The protagonist grapples with the paradoxes of his situation, where the rules seem contradictory and create a sense of entrapment. This sense of being caught in an illogical system is a recurring theme throughout the novel, highlighting the struggles individuals face amid chaos. The quote, “...a nagging bitch of a doubt, burrowing painlessly inside a conscience that felt perfectly clear,” encapsulates this conflict. It illustrates how one can experience internal turmoil despite a seemingly straightforward moral stance. This ambiguity reflects the mental and emotional strain characters endure as they navigate the absurd world around them, leaving them with lingering uncertainties even in clear convictions.

In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the narrative explores the absurdities of war and the complexities of military bureaucracy. The protagonist grapples with the paradoxes of his situation, where the rules seem contradictory and create a sense of entrapment. This sense of being caught in an illogical system is a recurring theme throughout the novel, highlighting the struggles individuals face amid chaos.

The quote, “...a nagging bitch of a doubt, burrowing painlessly inside a conscience that felt perfectly clear,” encapsulates this conflict. It illustrates how one can experience internal turmoil despite a seemingly straightforward moral stance. This ambiguity reflects the mental and emotional strain characters endure as they navigate the absurd world around them, leaving them with lingering uncertainties even in clear convictions.