In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," a character named Orr displays a unique sense of humor and resilience. Yossarian admires Orr’s unconventional behavior, referring to him in a playful yet harsh manner. This exchange highlights a bond formed through shared experiences in the midst of absurdity. The dialogue reflects their friendship while underlining the absurd nature of war and survival.
Orr clarifies that he does not merely hold anything in his cheeks but specifically mentions crab apples and horse chestnuts. This specificity serves to illustrate his quirky nature and ability to cope with uncertainty and hardship. The imagery of carrying unusual objects in his cheeks symbolizes a form of resistance against the chaos surrounding them, embodying the darker yet humorous elements of Heller's novel.