In this excerpt from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the character Yossarian experiences a rush of fear and urgency as he attempts to escape the terrifying atmosphere surrounding him at night. The darkness seems to be filled with threats, causing him to reflect on the struggles faced by historical figures like Christ, who journeyed through a world filled with madness and danger. He feels akin to someone trying to navigate through chaos while surrounded by those who do not understand his plight.

This comparison to Christ evokes a sense of empathy and despair, highlighting the isolation and madness present in Yossarian's life. He envisions a leper, often viewed as an outcast, as a beacon of hope in such a bleak environment. This notion underscores the depth of Yossarian's internal conflict and sets the stage for his ongoing quest for meaning and sanity amid a world gone awry.