The Inevitability of Death and the Value of Life

Catch-22

The novel explores how the constant presence of death forces characters to confront the meaning of life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Snowden's death Snowden's death from "Catch-22". The Epiphany The Secret Snowden's death reveals that man is matter. Life is fragile and meaningless.

The Epiphany The Secret Snowden's death reveals that man is matter. Life is fragile and meaningless. The Response Yossarian chooses to value his own life above all. He will not sacrifice it for abstract ideals. The Meaning In the face of death, the only meaningful act is to survive.

The roll call of the dead The roll call of the dead from "Catch-22". The Counting The List Yossarian mentally lists all the dead people he knows. The number grows. Death is everywhere. The Fear He is terrified of joining them.

The roll call of the dead from "Catch-22". The Counting The List Yossarian mentally lists all the dead people he knows. The number grows. Death is everywhere. The Fear He is terrified of joining them.

The Counting The List Yossarian mentally lists all the dead people he knows. The number grows. Death is everywhere. The Fear He is terrified of joining them. He clings to life. The Resolution He decides to run away to preserve his life. He chooses life over honor or duty.

Orr's survival Orr's survival from "Catch-22". The Hope The News Orr survives against all odds. He rows to Sweden. Life can triumph over death.

The Hope The News Orr survives against all odds. He rows to Sweden. Life can triumph over death. The Inspiration Yossarian is inspired to fight for his own life. Orr's example shows that escape is possible. The Message Life is worth fighting for. Even in a world of death, there is hope.

During the Avignon mission

Throughout the novel, especially at night

Near the end