She destroyed egos by the score and made men hate themselves in the morning by the way she found them, used them, and tossed them aside.
In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the protagonist encounters a woman who exerts considerable power over men, undermining their confidence and self-worth. Her ability to manipulate and discard them leaves lasting emotional scars, causing introspection and regret. This relentless cycle of objectification highlights the destructive effects of superficial relationships and the vulnerabilities inherent in male egos.
The quote illustrates a broader theme of the novel, focusing on the absurdity of war and human relationships. It reflects on how people can be both powerful and powerless, leading to feelings of shame and self-hatred. Heller uses this character to comment on the complexities of human interactions and the often painful consequences of desire and rejection.
