Catch-22 Lesson Plan

Discuss the tone and characterization established by the novel's opening chapter.

The opening chapter sets a freewheeling, almost haphazard tone, laying the groundwork for the novel's satirical essence. Heller's cynicism towards war and government is starkly evident. Within a ward, a facade of illness prevails, a collective guise while awaiting the war's end. Strangely, the extent of this widespread tactic goes unnoticed. Even more absurd are the outlandish ploys the men employ to dodge frontline duty, like Dunbar's literal faceplanting.

Amidst this, Yossarian gets stuck with the menial task of censorship, finding the letters disappointingly mundane, requiring minimal...