In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the phrase "disappear him" ignites confusion about its meaning and implications. The narrator's questioning highlights the absurdity of the situation, as the term itself is grammatically flawed and enigmatic. This reflects the nonsensical nature of war and bureaucracy, where language often loses its clarity and purpose.
The character's bewilderment underscores the broader theme of the book, which criticizes the illogical and paradoxical aspects of military life. The fear of being 'disappeared' evokes the dread of loss and the arbitrary actions of those in power, illustrating how individuals can be rendered invisible in the chaos of conflict.