Catch 22 (1961)

By: Joseph Heller

Historical Background

World War II (novel set mostly in 1944) Critical of U.S. foreign policy and capitalism This is seen in the Marshall plan which

wanted to rebuild Europe while preventing Russia from having influence.

Published in 1960’s during which people were beginning to question authority of the government and those in power.

Author Background

Born in Brooklyn in 1923 Served as Air Force bombardier in WWII Flew over Avignon as in novel Heller did not trust government, organized

religion, bureaucracy, and the military. Was a professor of English at Pennsylvania

State University

McCarthyism had occurred a decade earlier (mistrust of government resulted)

Issue of the Cold War in the 50’s during which the U.S. wanted to destroy communist countries.

Think about how these issues are reflected in this novel

Literary Frame: Which is it?

Modernism—rejects traditional themes . . .– Alienation; loss of individuality– Themes of change– Classical allusions– Disillusionment; no absolute truths, tries to make

sense of a broken world– “Mundane” subjects (“working class” characters)– Goes beyond “Realism” – disjointed timelines,

stream of consciousness, etc.– Started in 1900’s, peaked in 1920’s (why?)

Portrait of Gertrude Stein(Pablo Picasso, 1906)

First viewers pointed out that Stein did not look like her portrait.

Picasso’s response?

“She will.”

. . . or is it . . .?

Postmodernism—rejects modernism!– Playful style; often humorous or ironic– Self-conscious – “knows” it’s a work of art

(metafiction,uses literary devices in obvious way)– “pop culture” allusions– No reality or truth can be determined; subjectivity

tends to be relative– Artist / author can’t solve things – Popularity began after 1945 (why?)

Theme Topics

The power of bureaucracy Greed and power Loss of faith Confusion Guilt