In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," a character expresses frustration during a conversation, questioning why they are not being punished or reprimanded. This moment highlights a deeper theme of neglect and distraction, as the person being questioned feels a sense of longing for attention or acknowledgment.

Heller’s narrative blends absurdity with serious undertones, illustrating how chaos and larger events, like a parade, overshadow personal grievances and emotional needs. This exchange reflects the broader conflicts faced by the characters, caught between their desires for connection and the overwhelming circumstances around them.