The excerpt from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" reflects a deep existential dilemma faced by the characters. One character expresses disillusionment with the value of saving lives when death is inevitable. This questioning conveys a sense of futility in their efforts, as he grapples with the idea that despite their best efforts, everyone ultimately meets the same fate of death.

Dunbar's response highlights the tension between the desire to prolong life and the acceptance of mortality. His silence suggests that he, too, finds it difficult to discern a clear purpose. In the end, they both recognize that while the objective is to extend life for as long as possible, the bigger question of meaning remains unanswered, illustrating the complexities of life, death, and the human experience.