Catch 22, by Joseph Heller, takes place during the second half of World War II. The main character, Yossarian, is the protagonist of the novel, and he is a captain in the Air Force and the lead bomber in his squadron. The story begins with Yossarian in an Italian military hospital where he is forced to censor letters He tries to stay in the hospital faking illnesses, but finally leaves.

Back in his squadron the missions begin to drive him crazy so Yossarian tries to convince Doc Daneeka that he is ill and should not fly. Doc Daneeka does not care. Yossarian is convinced that everyone wants to kill him, so he decides to live forever or die trying. Colonel Cathcart, the commanding officer of the squadron always raises the number of missions to get a discharge whenever someone in his squadron reaches the number. He also volunteers his...