What would they do to me, he asked in confidential tones, if I refused to fly them?We'd probably shoot you, ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen replied.We? Yossarian cried in surprise. What do you mean, we? Since when are you on their side?If you're going to be shot, whose side do you expect me to be on? ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen retorted
In this exchange from "Catch-22," Yossarian is confronted with a harrowing reality when he questions the consequences of refusing a military order. His apprehension highlights his awareness of the life-threatening risks soldiers face, making him acutely aware of the gravity of their situation. The mention of being shot as a consequence reveals the brutal nature of war and the pressure on soldiers to comply.
Ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen's response indicates a shift in his loyalties, suggesting that in dire situations, survival trumps allegiance. His pragmatic viewpoint underscores the absurdity of war, where individuals must navigate moral dilemmas and the harsh expectations placed on them. This dialogue encapsulates the themes of conflict, loyalty, and the struggle for self-preservation in Heller's narrative.
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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!
