In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the character Yossarian decides to stay in the hospital for the duration of the war rather than face the dangers of combat. To maintain the illusion that he is engaged in active duty, he informs his acquaintances that he is embarking on a perilous mission without disclosing the true reason for his hospital stay. This decision reflects his desire to escape the chaos and save himself from the horrors of war.

Yossarian's choice to fabricate a story about a dangerous mission illustrates the absurdity of his situation. By portraying himself as a brave volunteer for perilous tasks, he attempts to shield himself from both the reality of his circumstances and the expectations of others. Despite his claims of writing when he returns, he no longer communicates, highlighting his commitment to self-preservation over the demands of wartime duty.