Sanity vs. Insanity

Catch-22

The recurring theme of who is truly crazy in a world gone mad.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Yossarian's claim of insanity

The Paradox The Argument Yossarian claims he is crazy to avoid flying. Doc Daneeka explains Catch-22: wanting to avoid danger is sane, so he cannot be grounded. The Label Clevinger calls Yossarian crazy. Yossarian retorts that everyone around him is crazy. The question of sanity is central. The Irony The sane ones are those who want to live. The crazy ones are those who accept death. The war inverts normal values.

Major Sanderson's diagnosis Major Sanderson's diagnosis from "Catch-22". The Psychiatrist The Sessions Major Sanderson, a psychiatrist, interviews Yossarian. He diagnoses him with a split personality and a persecution complex.

Major Sanderson's diagnosis from "Catch-22". The Psychiatrist The Sessions Major Sanderson, a psychiatrist, interviews Yossarian. He diagnoses him with a split personality and a persecution complex.

The Psychiatrist The Sessions Major Sanderson, a psychiatrist, interviews Yossarian. He diagnoses him with a split personality and a persecution complex. The Contradiction Sanderson says Yossarian is crazy, but also says he is not good enough for the Army. He sends him back to combat. The Absurdity The psychiatrist is more disturbed than Yossarian. He is obsessed with sex dreams. The line between sanity and insanity blurs.

Dunbar's disappearance Dunbar's disappearance from "Catch-22". The Consequence The Threat Nurse Duckett warns Yossarian that they are going to "disappear" Dunbar. Dunbar is taken away.

Dunbar's disappearance from "Catch-22". The Consequence The Threat Nurse Duckett warns Yossarian that they are going to "disappear" Dunbar. Dunbar is taken away.

The Consequence The Threat Nurse Duckett warns Yossarian that they are going to "disappear" Dunbar. Dunbar is taken away. The Meaning Dunbar is disappeared because he is a threat to order. He sees too clearly. The system eliminates those who question it. The Lesson Sanity is dangerous. The mad world punishes those who are sane. Yossarian must pretend to be crazy to survive.

Early in the story, with Doc Daneeka

During Yossarian's hospital stay for his leg wound

After the soldier in white returns