The C.I.D. Investigation of Washington Irving

The comedic investigation into who is forging Washington Irving's name on censored letters.

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Yossarian's censorship games

The Forger The Letters Yossarian censors letters, signing them "Washington Irving" or "Irving Washington." He also writes "I yearn for you tragically" and signs the chaplain's name. The C.I.D. Arrives A C.I.D. man posing as a patient arrives to investigate. He asks about Irving or Washington. The men know he is C.I.D. because he won't censor letters. The Trail The C.I.D. man is baffled. He suspects the chaplain. The investigation continues throughout the novel.

Major Major's forgery

The Second Forger The Idea Major Major, bored, begins signing Washington Irving's name on official documents. He enjoys it. The documents stop coming back. The Second C.I.D. Man A second C.I.D. man arrives, masquerading as a pilot. He confides in everyone. He suspects the chaplain. Major Major lies to protect himself. The Confusion The two C.I.D. men suspect each other. They both visit Major Major. The investigation becomes a farce. No one is ever caught.

Corporal Whitcomb's interference

The Complication The Plot Corporal Whitcomb, to help the chaplain, forges Washington Irving's name on a C.I.D. man's report. He thinks this will clear the chaplain, but it implicates him further. The Chaplain's Fear The chaplain is terrified. He is now suspected of being Washington Irving. The C.I.D. investigation intensifies. The Interrogation The chaplain is eventually interrogated in the basement. The investigation culminates in his mock trial. The forger is never identified.

During Yossarian's first hospital stay

After Major Major becomes squadron commander

When Corporal Whitcomb forges the chaplain's name