In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," Yossarian experiences a deep sense of compassion for a poor figure he encounters. This overwhelming feeling prompts a violent impulse within him, as he feels compelled to eradicate the person's suffering by imagining a drastic act against him. His emotion reflects the struggle between empathy and the desire to escape the pain associated with others' misfortunes.

This moment encapsulates the theme of the absurdity of war and human suffering in the novel. Yossarian's response illustrates the paradox of wanting to help yet feeling powerless in the face of such despair. The struggle against these intense feelings mirrors the broader challenges faced by soldiers dealing with the consequences of war and their own moral dilemmas.