Chapter 36 "The Cellar" Summary

The Chaplain is crushed by news of Nately's death. At the field, the men all stand dejected and morose, talking amongst themselves about the tragedy. Before he can comfort the defeated Yossarian, the Chaplain is apprehended by a group of men, pushed into a car and taken to a secluded cellar, where the Chaplain is bombarded with rhetoric, loaded questions and accusations. He is tried for stealing Colonel Cathcart's plum tomato, for being Washington Irving, and for having committed crimes and infractions not yet apparent. After a laughable proceeding, which began by assuming the Chaplain's guilt, he is found guilty on all counts and released until the judges can think of a suitable punishment. Incensed, the Chaplain later rails on Colonel Korn concerning the number of missions that the men are required to fly. When Korn proves...