The Hidden Symbol in the Name of the Novel 'Catch 22'

 In the novel Catch-22, catch-22 symbolizes the absolute power of bureaucracy because of its circular and inescapable reasoning. The first time Catch-22 is explained is when Yossarian (the protagonist) asks to be excused from duty because of insanity. In the following quote Yossarian approaches the team doctor asking if he can help him to excuse Yossarian from duty, the doctor replies that he could because he is insane and all one has to do is ask, but there is a catch, Catch-22. It says: “There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one’s safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions.” 

This is the first instant when the absurdity of Catch-22 is shown. Bureaucracy’s goal in this case is too keep as many men in the military as possible so it creates this catch that has circular and inescapable reasoning. Because one who is insane can be discharged all they have to do is ask yet the moment they ask they are proven sane and must stay in the military. This relates to the thesis because this catch, Catch-22, symbolizes how powerful bureaucracy is. Since this cruel rule forces everyone, no matter their mental health, to stay in the military, bureaucracy if left out of hand can have a very similar effect. 

Secondly, another instance of circular and inescapable reasoning brought by the act of Catch-22 is from a major named Major Major. Major Major does not want to see people in his office so using Catch-22 he implements a new rule:

“From now on,” he said “I don’t want anyone to come in to see me while I’m here. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” said Sergeant Towser…

“What shall I say to the people who do come to see you while you’re here?”

“Tell them I’m in ask them to wait.”

“Yes, sir. For how long?”

“Until I’ve left.” …

“May I send them in to see you after you’ve left?”

“Yes.” 

Major has decided he no longer wants to talk to people or have any sort of interaction. Therefore, using Catch-22 he creates this circular paradox where people can only see him when he isn’t there, and if he is there he will leave and then allow them to be sent after he has left. Once again Catch-22 has allowed one to create a circular rule that is inescapable. One must obey this rule because there is no way around it, if anyone tries to visit Major Major he won’t be there, if they visit him while he is there, he will leave, then allow them to come in, and other people are allowed to visit him as long as he isn’t there. This example of Catch-22 symbolizes bureaucracy because it shows how out of hand it can get and how absolutely powerful it is. If a bureaucrat with no regard to those below him in a high position of power implemented a similar rule there would be no escape. Therefore, the example highlights and symbolizes a possible outcome of bureaucracy. 

Thirdly, other instances where Catch-22 is showed is when Captain Black’s attempts make Milo deprive Major Major of food as a consequence for not signing something he was never given and when Milo protests this Captain Black asks him if he is against Catch-22. Captain Black is in conflict with Major Major and uses this to get to him. In this instance another catch is showed, because how can one sign something one was never given, yet it is bad faith to not sign it. This symbolizes bureaucracy because it shows how easy it is for someone with a lot of power to condemn someone with less power for their own benefit and illogical reasons. 

To sum up, Catch-22 symbolizes the absolute power of bureaucracy because of its circular and inescapable reasoning.