Consciously, sir, consciously," Yossarian corrected in an effort to help. "I hate them consciously.
In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the protagonist Yossarian navigates the absurdities and ironies of war. He grapples with the conflict between his survival instincts and the demands of military duty. Yossarian's conscious hatred of war highlights his awareness of the moral complexities and the senseless nature of his situation. This internal struggle underscores the broader themes of the novel, particularly the critique of bureaucratic systems and the futility they often entail.
Yossarian's assertion reflects a deeper existential dilemma faced by many characters in the story. By admitting to his conscious hatred, he reveals a profound sense of agency and clarity amidst the chaos surrounding him. This moment illustrates how awareness of one’s feelings can be a form of rebellion against the dehumanizing forces of war, emphasizing the importance of personal morality in the face of systemic madness.
