Clevinger was already on the way, half out of his chair with emotion, his eyes moist and his lips quivering and pale. As always occurred when he quarreled over principles in which he believed passionately, he would end up gasping furiously for air and blinking back bitter tears of conviction. There were many principles in which Clevinger believed passionately. He was crazy.
Clevinger is depicted as a highly emotional character, deeply affected by his beliefs and the principles he holds dear. His passion is evident as he becomes animated during discussions, often showing signs of distress such as moist eyes and a quivering mouth. This intense emotional state reaches a peak when he finds himself struggling to breathe, highlighting the depth of his conviction and the turmoil it causes him.
Despite his strong beliefs, those around him perceive Clevinger as irrational or overly passionate, labeling him as "crazy." This reflects a broader theme in "Catch-22," where the clash between individual conviction and societal norms often leads to misunderstanding and isolation. Clevinger's fervor illustrates the conflict between idealism and the stark realities faced by individuals in a war-torn world.
