In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," Yossarian experiences a profound sense of pride and achievement when he looks at a magnificent structure. Despite the beauty and grandeur of the building, he acknowledges that he played no part in its creation, which highlights a sense of detachment from accomplishments that aren't his own. This contradiction fuels his contemplation about success and ownership.

Yossarian’s reflection on the splendid structure serves as a metaphor for his own struggles and feelings of insignificance in a chaotic world. It emphasizes how individuals can be surrounded by impressive feats yet still feel disconnected from them, revealing deeper themes of alienation and the search for personal meaning in life.