Chapter 2 "Clevinger" Summary

Yossarian argues with fellow officer Clevinger just prior to his stay in the hospital. In a fit of paranoia, Yossarian believes that everyone is out to kill him. He says as much to Clevinger, who dismisses the notion as crazy and explains that the war isn't personal, everyone is a target. Yossarian fails to see Clevinger's point, since everyone includes Yossarian, as well. Finally frustrated, Clevinger silently quivers with indignation. Yossarian is convinced that he has the right of it "because strangers he didn't know shot at him with cannons every time he flew up in the air to drop bombs on them, and it wasn't funny at all" (17). After a momentary pleasant distraction in Milo's mess hall, a newly distressed Yossarian begs Doc Daneeka to remove him from active combat duty. The Doctor refuses, insisting that the Colonel...