In "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller, the protagonist finds himself surrounded by irrational behavior, emphasizing the chaos and absurdity of war. Every direction he turns presents another chaotic figure, challenging his mental stability as he strives to remain composed amidst the turmoil. This setting showcases the extreme pressures faced during conflict, illustrating the struggle between sanity and madness.

Additionally, the sense of urgency in maintaining perspective highlights the life-threatening stakes he faces. His awareness of the peril surrounding him amplifies the tension of the narrative, as he grapples with the paradoxes of military life and the fight for sanity when everything else seems out of control.