In Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," the bleak reality of mortality is addressed through the characters' experiences during World War II. The excerpt highlights an unavoidable truth: death is a part of life that everyone confronts. The acknowledgement of dying serves as a reminder that life is finite, provoking reflection on how one chooses to live in the time they have.

This quote also emphasizes a shared human condition, as it suggests that the awareness of death is universal. Instead of shying away from the topic, Heller presents it candidly, inviting readers to contemplate their own journeys and the absurdities of existence in the face of inevitable mortality.