Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22" explores the absurdity and complexity of war, focusing on the experiences of soldiers who confront bizarre military bureaucracy. The phrase "disappear somebody" evokes a sense of paranoia and the grim reality of how people can be removed from existence without reason or accountability. It highlights the ambiguous morality of war, where individuals can be rendered invisible by the decisions of those in power.
The quote reflects the confusion and frustration felt by the characters, emphasizing that the language and actions within the military often lack clarity and coherence. Heller uses this illustration to criticize the illogical nature of bureaucratic systems, suggesting that such practices can lead to dehumanization and an unsettling loss of individual significance within the larger machinations of war.