Nately's journey begins on a challenging note, despite his privileged upbringing. Born into a well-off family, he grapples with the complexities of war and personal identity, which highlights the irony of his situation. His background does not shield him from the struggles and moral dilemmas he faces as a soldier in a chaotic environment.

This contrast between his elite roots and the harsh realities of military life underscores the theme that wealth and comfort do not guarantee an easy path. Nately's experiences reflect the absurdities of existence, a central tenet in Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," where the absurdity transcends social status.