Catch 22: The Consequences of Characters’ Actions

Introduction

Almost all characters in Catch-22 made decisions on behalf of society, which in return came back to haunt the society. American society had its values and ethics, but the novel demonstrates how dehumanization, greed, and evil were brought about by individual interest. These actions have undesirable consequences for the nation. The role of the military is basically to protect its people and not to turn against them. The military turned out to be the most unethical unit portrayed in the novel. Just like any other novel, the characteristics of the Catch-22 actions come up with dire consequences for American society.

John Yossarian’s Actions and Their Consequences

John Yossarian, one of the captains in the army air forces, was obligated to fight against Nazis but instead sacrificed his life on the altar of all-absorbing wars. This was his personal decision to stand alone and not in the interest of the many citizens and the nation which entrusted him in the war. He was expected to deliver the best, yet he said, "That's some catch, the catch 22" (Heller, 1961, p. 52). Yossarian was a protagonist and an active member of the Squadron’s community. Catch-22 provides a clear illustration of how to become a betrayer in the community by not doing what you have been sent to do but instead focusing on what is good for you.

However, anyone in the military was then obligated to ensure that they submit to what the authority obliges them to do. It is not yet clear whether there is good evidence as to why they are on one side, which is on the military and not on ordinary people. The role of the military is to protect, not to kill and do other evil things to society. The impact of this action is shown when Yossarian went to Rome and talked to old women; their conversation indicated that police had ruined the town. "The police run the girls who were in the brothels and run-away," meaning that there was a lot that happened and impacted the social life of the girls who believed to be there forever (Heller, 1961, p. 388). Self-preservation then created a conflict for Yossarian in such a way that he overlooked his own life. Even though he was much more determined to save his own life in whatever way, he never minded the other members of his group who were traumatized by the deaths. His actions were in many ways far from what was expected, and that is the reason why he was not ready to face the people in return. His actions depressed his people to the extent that they installed trust and hope in him but went ahead to let them down by not protecting them.

Milo Minderbinder’s Capitalism and Betrayal

Moreover, the actions of characters like Milo, who was an extreme version of a capitalist, really hurt his people. At first, he came up with something like a business deal which he was much contented with using to make a profit. He then used his knowledge to make sure that he is in the best position at the expense of the people who are looking over him. "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you" (Heller, 1961, p. 469). The business in the black market was all that he wanted to see, even though many others could argue that there is a need to elaborate on the system of governance. Instead of being a soldier and standing firm for his people, he was engaged in a business which he used to exploit them. The bureaucratic system of governance as well was not in line with what was required by society. The outcome was not what was expected; the government then misused the powers in the name of ensuring that its people are safe, but in a real sense, they meant no good for them. All they wanted was to benefit some individuals who had been in the military, and life was not important to them. It is the obligation of society and the government to make sure that life is protected and guaranteed; the government is using its powers to oppress its people.

Milo's actions took a sinister air when he decided to bomb his Squadron as part of a deal he literally signed with the Germans. It was because of his decisions, which are then believed to be inhumane and evil for people to be killed. "It doesn't make a damned bit of difference who wins the war to someone dead" (Heller, 1961, p. 423). Many people lost their lives, whereas many were unable to even trace their families and relatives due to the scatter and separation they have gone through. All this was at the expense of a black market and shows how hard-hearted he was not to think about the impact he had on his people. "This was like an evil force which no man could avoid," illustrating how deadly the bombs and the killings were by then.

Nevertheless, the consequences of his greed for money and high profits landed his people into trouble because many men and women lost their lives. It was through these deaths that he celebrated his victory or achieving his desired profits. It is inhuman and evil for somebody to use his powers to oppress others or to gain at the expense of others. The best he could have done was to use other means but not necessarily signing a deal with the Germans to see his people dead. He never felt the consequences, but instead, his people felt the consequences. Milo's actions were more rational than what Cathcart had done in the past because, to some extent, he is seen as liberal in the eyes of society.

The Chaplain’s Compromise and Its Impact on Faith

Religion was also compromised by the action of the chaplain to adhere to all the rules of the authority that religion does not matter. He was the chaplain whom people believed in and had hope in him that he would lead them to the right path of faith. He betrayed his people by allowing Colonel Cathcart to use the letters to gain popularity. Cathcart believed that "anything worth dying for ... is certainly worth living for" (Heller, 1961, p. 216). His actions affected his believers because their faith was now compromised, and all that they believed is that God does not give strength but the power of people. This then can be treated as evil.

The character of the chaplain shows the extent of the impact of war on morality and ethical codes. It was due to the impacts of the war that they had to undergo the same transition of changing their beliefs to that which they believed could not suit them, not knowing how much it would cost them in the future. Just the same way, Doc Daneeka confused his role as a doctor in a world where the goal of a man was primarily to cause injury and death. The military has caused all this, and society is now facing isolation on its part, which is a direct consequence caused by the military and its leaders through unethical ways.

Conclusion

Individual or group actions normally tend to have consequences in return. The actions of the three main characters in the novel have hurt American society in return. The military was subjected to protecting the citizens, but in return, most of its members began to engage in immoral activities which hurt them. A leader in any group setting is expected to have the interest of the people he or she leads first. In situations where a leader is not accountable for his actions or makes decisions at the expense of his people, there are likely to be consequences.

References

Heller, J. (1961). Catch-22. Simon & Schuster.