In Joseph Heller's Catch-22, the character Hungry Joe is depicted as being mentally unstable, a fact that Yossarian understands all too well. Yossarian's attempts to assist Hungry Joe are overshadowed by Joe's belief that Yossarian himself is the one who is insane. This dynamic illustrates the complexity of their relationship and highlights the theme of perceived sanity in a chaotic environment.

Ultimately, Hungry Joe's refusal to heed Yossarian's warnings reflects the broader absurdity of war and the challenges of communication among those affected by it. Their interactions serve to deepen the reader's understanding of the characters' psychological struggles and the erratic nature of their reality in the war setting.