In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the narrative explores the complexities of life and death through the characters' profound reflections on health and mortality. The emphasis on gratitude for health is tempered by the understanding that it is not a permanent state. Yossarian's emotional response captures the frustration of living under the shadow of mortality, as he wrestles with the harsh reality that life, while precious, is also fleeting.

Amidst the chaos of war, conversations between characters illustrate a stark contrast between acceptance and rage toward life's injustices. Scheisskopf's wife acknowledges the potential for suffering, while Yossarian's retort suggests a yearning for a more favorable existence. These exchanges reveal the characters’ struggles to find meaning in their experiences, ultimately emphasizing the delicate balance between gratitude and frustration in the face of life's uncertainties.