The only thing going on was a war, and no one seemed to notice but Yossarian and Dunbar. And when Yossarian tried to remind people, they drew away from him and thought he was crazy.
In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the characters Yossarian and Dunbar are acutely aware of the absurdity surrounding them, particularly the ongoing war that seems to be ignored by everyone else. Their realization highlights a sense of isolation, as they struggle to comprehend the madness of a world preoccupied with routine and denial while chaos reigns. Yossarian's attempts to confront others about the war fall on deaf ears, further emphasizing the disconnect between sanity and societal norms.
This dynamic showcases the central theme of the novel, where individuals are caught in a paradoxical situation that challenges their perceptions of reality. Yossarian is seen as irrational for questioning the war, illustrating how society often stigmatizes those who dare to confront uncomfortable truths. Heller's portrayal of this tension invites readers to reflect on their own engagement with societal issues and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the troubling realities of life.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
