The Chaplain's Spiritual Crisis

The chaplain's struggle with faith, doubt, and persecution, culminating in his decision to persevere.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First meeting with Yossarian

The Unlikely Friendship The Visit The chaplain visits Yossarian in the hospital. Yossarian is delighted to meet a chaplain. They have an awkward but warm conversation. The chaplain is shy and uncertain. The Connection Yossarian treats him kindly. The chaplain feels accepted. This begins a friendship that sustains the chaplain through his trials. The Seed of Doubt The chaplain already has doubts about his faith. Yossarian's irreverence challenges him. He begins to question everything.

The interrogation

The Ordeal The Arrest After the mid-air collision, the chaplain is taken to the basement by three officers. They accuse him of being Washington Irving and stealing a plum tomato. They threaten him with brass knuckles and a rubber hose. The Mock Trial They find him guilty of unknown crimes. They release him but warn him he is under surveillance. The chaplain is terrified and humiliated. The Aftermath He emerges furious. He confronts Colonel Korn, but is dismissed. He learns that General Dreedle has been replaced by General Peckem. His hope of appeal is gone.

The miracle of Orr

The Revelation The News The chaplain bursts into Yossarian's hospital room with news that Orr has washed ashore in Sweden. He calls it a miracle. He believes in God again. The Transformation The chaplain decides to persevere. He will punch Captain Black in the nose and stand up to Colonel Cathcart. He is reborn with new courage. The Symbol Orr's escape represents hope. The chaplain's faith is restored, not in a traditional God, but in human ingenuity and endurance. He will continue his work.

Early in the story, in the hospital

After Nately's death, at Group Headquarters basement

When news of Orr's survival reaches the hospital