Home : Catch-22 : Study Guide

Catch-22 Study Guide

by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 study guide contains a biography of Joseph Heller, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Captain John Yossarian, a World War II bombardier, is stationed on the island of Pianosa. He is an individualist who seeks to protect his own life by fleeing to the hospital, since a “catch-22” in the Air Force regulations prevents him from being grounded for illness or obtaining a leave. He enjoys living in the ward, where all his meals are served to him. In turn, he simply needs to feign pain in his liver and censor the letters of enlisted men. Bored by his job, Yossarian takes on the pseudonym “Washington Irving” and pretends to be Chaplain Tappman. Alarmed by these strange occurrences, the government sends two C.I.D. men to investigate. Other men also seek the haven of the hospital by feigning illness, but after the mysterious death of…

Read the full Catch-22 Summary

• Catch-22 Summary
• About Catch-22
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-7
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 8-14
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 15-21
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 22-28
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 29-35
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 36-42
• Plot Structure in Catch-22
• American Anti-War Sentiment
• Related Links on Catch-22
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Catch-22: Major Themes
• Catch-22: Essays
• Catch-22: Questions
• Catch-22: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Joseph Heller: Biography