In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the protagonist grapples with a profound fear of death, which shapes his worldview and decisions throughout the narrative. This aversion to dying reflects a broader commentary on the absurdities and horrors of war. Heller explores how this fear can lead individuals to question the meanings of life, duty, and morality, often caught in a paradox of survival and the inevitability of fate.

The quote, "You have a morbid aversion to dying," encapsulates the internal struggle faced by characters as they navigate the chaos of war. It reveals a deep-seated anxiety about mortality that pervades the story, highlighting how such fears can leave one feeling trapped in a seemingly inescapable cycle. Ultimately, Heller uses this theme to critique the senselessness of conflict and its impact on the human psyche.