Captain John Yossarian, a 28-year-old bombardier in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, has admitted himself to the hospital in Italy with a fabricated liver problem to avoid flying missions. Despite being healthy, Yossarian remains in the hospital as the doctors are unable to disprove his sickness. He spends his time censoring the mail of enlisted soldiers, turning it into a game by signing letters with fake names. Yossarian befriends Tappman, the Army chaplain, and clashes with a patriotic and classist Texan patient. The Texan's proclamations about politics and the war irritate the other patients. One patient, known as the Soldier in White, who remains silent, is later discovered to be dead. Yossarian and his friend Dunbar jokingly tell the Texan that he is responsible for the soldier's death. The chapter ends with an undercover intelligence officer falling ill during his investigation into forged signatures on censored mail.
Yossarian discusses the absurdity of war with Officer Clevinger, who dismisses Yossarian as crazy for questioning the war. Yossarian believes that avoiding death is the rational response to the senseless war. Yossarian reflects on his experiences with fellow officers, including his tentmate Orr, and remembers a traumatic mission involving the death of a comrade named Snowden. The chapter explores Yossarian's perception of the personal nature of war, as people keep shooting at him.
Yossarian complains about Major Major's refusal to acknowledge the existence of a supposed dead man sharing their tent. He listens to Orr's
nonsensical story and becomes frustrated with Orr's disjointed speech. Yossarian also observes the lives of other officers in the camp, including Huple, Hungry Joe, and the arrival of a troupe of entertainers sent by General P. P. Peckem. Colonel Cargill, who works for Peckem, influences the men to attend the shows. The chapter introduces Havermeyer, a daring pilot, and reflects on Yossarian's changing perspective on the purpose of missions.
Yossarian discusses the peculiar behaviors of his fellow officers, including Hungry Joe and Doc Daneeka, who constantly complains about imaginary illnesses. Daneeka asks Yossarian to forge his name in flight logs, but when Yossarian seeks a favor in return, Daneeka refuses. Yossarian attends a meeting with the officers, during which absurd questions are asked, and Catch-22 is introduced as aparadoxical rule. The chapter ends with Yossarian recalling a traumatic mission involving the death of a fellow soldier named Kraft.
Yossarian engages in conversations with Doc Daneeka and Chief White Halfoat, a Native American intelligence officer. They discuss their personal experiences and fears. Yossarian seeks a medical excuse to avoid flying, but Daneeka explains the paradoxical Catch-22 rule that prevents doctors from grounding anyone who asks to be grounded. The men are sent on a mission, and Yossarian remembers a previous mission where he believed death was inevitable.
Hungry Joe's nightmares and fear of flying are explored. Yossarian observes his odd behavior and recounts his own experiences with the squadron, including the escapades of Milo Minderbinder, the mess officer. The chapter delves into the men's discussions on boredom, time, and their anxieties about increasing mission requirements.
Yossarian reflects on McWatt's cheerful attitude amidst the chaos of war. Yossarian receives fruit from Doc Daneeka but refuses to eat it, as it may improve his fabricated liver condition. Milo Minderbinder tries to recruit Yossarian into his black-market activities. The intelligence officer investigating forged signatures arrives at the camp, causing concern for Milo. The men engage in discussions about economics and Yossarian's refusal to fly missions.
Yossarian recalls his time at boot camp with Officer Clevinger and their instructor, Lieutenant Scheisskopf, who was obsessed with parade competitions. Scheisskopf's wife had affairs with the recruits, including Yossarian. Yossarian and Clevinger clashed with Scheisskopf over democratic elections, leading to Clevinger's punishment. The chapter explores the themes of absurdity and resentment.
Major Major's isolated and lonely life is examined. He is shunned by others due to a glitch that made him a major despite his lack of experience. Major Major assumes disguises to sign documents with fictional names, creating confusion and suspicion among the intelligence officers. Yossarian attempts to assault Major Major to get grounded but is unsuccessful.
Clevinger is presumed dead, and Yossarian believes he has deserted. Yossarian discusses desertion with Wintergreen, who views it as a patriotic act. Milo Minderbinder's black-market activities are further explored, and Captain Black plots against Major Major by starting a rumor that he is a communist. The chapter ends with Black's attempt to enforce loyalty oaths.
Captain Black relishes the dangerous mission to Bologna, as he despises the men and enjoys seeing their fear.He tries to undermine Major Major by spreading rumors of his communist sympathies. The chapter focuses on Black's resentment and his manipulation of loyalty oaths.
Two months in time to when the squadron is preparing for the Bologna mission. However, heavy rain interrupts their preparations, and the men hope it will continue to delay their suffering. Yossarian takes advantage of the rain's pause to alter the mission maps, hoping to divert their attention elsewhere. He also poisons the food to create an additional obstacle. The rain eventually resumes.
Meanwhile, Wintergreen starts competing with Milo on the black market. Wintergreen tries to sell Zippo lighters to Yossarian but discovers that Milo has monopolized the Egyptian cotton supply. However, Milo is unable to sell his cotton.
As the impending Bologna mission weighs on the men's morale, Yossarian and Clevinger engage in an argument about their duty. Wintergreen's earlier remarks about Yossarian being a chronic complainer are echoed. Clevinger accuses Yossarian of hindering the war effort, while Yossarian reiterates that his true enemies are anyone who puts his life at risk, including his commanding officers. The squadron continues to suffer from the effects of the food poisoning, becoming emaciated and worn out.
Yossarian and Dunbar, in a drunken state, come up with imaginary German weapons at the officers' club. They meet Halfoat, who invites them to ride in a stolen jeep. However, their intoxicated state causes them to crash the vehicle. Meanwhile, the rain stops, and Hungry Joe attempts to shoot Huple's cat, believing it causes his nightmares. The men intervene and force Hungry Joe into a "fair fight," but the cat manages to escape. Joe has a nightmare about Huple's cat when he returns to his tent.
Major -- de Coverley is a commanding figure who instills fear and awe in others. His first name remains a mystery due to his intimidating presence. Believing that the army has advanced past Bologna, thanks to Yossarian's interference, he travels to Florence to secure accommodations for his men during their leave. He helps the squadron by arranging places for them to stay, "kidnapping Italian laborers," and playing horseshoes. He is known for participating in victory parades and renting an entire floor in a Rome apartment building for his men. The rooms are located beneath an attractive Italian woman's apartment, whereYossarian and the others frequently visit and fantasize about their neighbors while engaging with other women.
Major -- de Coverley was wounded once during a parade celebrating the capture of Rome by the Allied forces. A flower thrown by an intoxicated old man hits him in the eye, nearly blinding him. He now wears a clear eyepatch to continue his duties. The major supports Milo's black-market operations, particularly his dealings in eggs. Milo purchases eggs from Malta at a low price and sells them at a profit. Cathcart suggests promoting Milo, but Korn reminds him of their failed attempt to promote Yossarian. Yossarian received a promotion despite the death of a young pilot named Kraft, for which he held himself responsible. Yossarian accepted the promotion reluctantly.
The Bologna mission commences, but Yossarian is reluctant to fly to the target area, let alone stay longer than necessary. He sabotages the mission by breaking his plane's radio and instructs the pilot, Kid Sampson, to return to the base. Kid Sampson follows his orders, and Yossarian falls asleep on an empty beach nearby. When he wakes up, he sees the squadron returning unharmed, assuming that the mission was canceled due to cloud cover. However, he is mistaken; the mission was completed without any opposition, earning the term "milk run."
Upon returning to the base, Yossarian and his crew face criticism from the joint squadron operations officers, Captain Wren and Captain Piltchard. They mention another mission to bomb Bologna, and this time, Yossarian is appointed as the lead bombardier. Unlike the previous mission, the squadron encounters air defenses. Yossarian is shocked by this development and orders evasive action. As the Germans shoot at Yossarian's plane, he worries about accessing the escape hatch and urges Aarfy to clear the way, but Aarfy ignores him.
When a German bullet pierces the plane's hull and destroys Aarfy's map, Aarfy becomes entranced by the confetti-like debris. Yossarian, looking out the window, fears that Orr's plane has been destroyed but is relieved to see it intact. Back at the base, Orr's plane crash-lands, but most of the crew survives. Overwhelmed by the near-death experience, Yossarian decides to take leave in Rome.
In Rome, Yossarian meets Luciana, a tall and lively Italian woman, at a bar while she is conversing with another American soldier. After dancing anddining together, Luciana agrees to have sex with Yossarian but insists they wait until the following day. Doubting her intentions, Yossarian leaves her at a chaotic bus depot and wanders through the streets of Rome alone. When he returns to the rented apartment shared by the squadron, he discovers the men criticizing Aarfy for not sleeping with a woman he deemed "too nice."
The next morning, Luciana arrives at the apartment, ready to fulfill her promise, but only if Yossarian's room is clean. While Yossarian goes to the bathroom, Luciana tidies his room. They have sex and lie in bed afterward, where Luciana shares her experience of being scarred on her back due to the American bombing campaign in Naples. Yossarian realizes he may be falling in love with her and even contemplates marriage, but Luciana rejects the idea, considering him "crazy" for wanting a non-virgin partner. Hungry Joe bursts into the room, attempting to take a photograph of a naked Luciana, and they quickly leave. On their way out, they encounter Nately, who is involved with an apathetic prostitute. Luciana believes Yossarian won't contact her again, and when she offers him her address, he tears it up, as she predicted.
Later, Yossarian regrets his action and searches the streets for Luciana but fails to find her. He feels despondent and ends up sleeping with another woman that night, all the while thinking of Luciana. When he returns to the base, Hungry Joe informs him that Cathcart has raised the mission quota to 40. Distraught, Yossarian runs to the hospital.
Yossarian finds solace in the hospital, as long as he isn't surrounded by severely ill patients. He continues to have recurring nightmares about Snowden's death during a mission, haunted by his final words, "I'm cold." In contrast to the chaotic mission, the hospital's portrayal of death is more orderly and subdued. Dunbar is also at the hospital, and they discuss a heavily bandaged soldier known as the Soldier in White. The presence of the heavily bandaged soldier unnerves the other patients, reminding
Yossarian's fabricated liver condition allows him to manipulate his way into the hospital whenever he desires. He recalls how he discovered his preference for life in the hospital during his Army training. The narrative takes us back to the previous year:
At boot camp,Yossarian tries to avoid intense exercises by claiming he has an issue with his appendix. However, he is informed that appendix issues are not acceptable and is advised to mention a liver complaint instead. He quickly changes his story accordingly. During boot camp, Yossarian had an affair with Lieutenant Scheisskopf's wife. Now, during Thanksgiving in 1943, she visits him, and their conversation reveals Yossarian's lack of gratitude for anything. When he expresses his blame towards God, referring to Him as a "country bumpkin" and other derogatory terms, Lieutenant Scheisskopf's wife becomes nervous and argues with him due to his blasphemy.
The narrative then shifts to Yossarian's hospital stay in 1943.
Yossarian's bed is near an airman who claims to see everything twice. The medical staff believes this indicates meningitis and takes it seriously. Despite being told that he is healthy, Yossarian mimics the airman's symptoms by shouting that he, too, sees everything twice, catching the attention of the medical staff. He is placed on a ward with the airman and closely monitored by the doctors. When the airman dies, Yossarian pretends that he now sees everything only once. However, the airman's family is scheduled to visit their dying son, so a doctor asks Yossarian to impersonate the airman to avoid disappointing the family. The doctor knows that Yossarian was lying about seeing things twice but believes that "one dying boy is just as good as any other." Yossarian agrees and is wrapped in bandages to conceal his identity. The deceased airman's name is Giuseppe, so when Yossarian reveals his true name to the family, they assume he is delirious. They offer advice to the "dying airman" Yossarian, urging him not to let anyone mistreat him in heaven, even though he is Italian, and to criticize God for allowing numerous young people to die. The airman's mother advises Yossarian to "dress warm" in heaven.
In 1944, Yossarian recalls this 1943 hospital stay with some fondness.
Colonel Cathcart is concerned that he is not as successful as he should be and constantly measures his progress in relation to others. He is a driven young man aspiring to become a general but heavily relies on his assistant, Colonel Korn, rather than his own intelligence. Despite resenting the dependence on someone he perceives as common, Cathcart acknowledges that he couldn't succeed without Korn. Cathcart becomes convinced that the squadron should imitatea newspaper report he read about a chaplain who prays with the airmen before missions. His motivation is to have his squadron featured in a similar newspaper report to enhance his own reputation. Cathcart demands that Chaplain Tappman perform a quick prayer for the officers, minimizing references to God while emphasizing the need for a precise bomb pattern to appease the generals. The chaplain tries to explain that most prayers are lengthy and mention God frequently. He mentions that he will also have to pray with the enlisted men. Cathcart is shocked to learn that
officers and enlisted men pray to the same God. Rethinking his plan, Cathcart decides against mixing with the enlisted men. When the chaplain brings up Yossarian's complaints about the increasing number of required missions, Cathcart offers him a black-market tomato before dismissing him. Cathcart and Korn have been growing tomatoes and selling them on the black market through Milo.
After being dismissed by Cathcart, Chaplain Tappman encounters Colonel Korn. Although Korn refrains from mocking Cathcart for being an anabaptist, he notices the plum tomato and doubts that Cathcart would give one of their illicit tomatoes to the chaplain.
The chaplain returns to his tent and converses with his assistant, Corporal Whitcomb, an atheist who is constantly disgruntled and seeks to undermine the chaplain. Despite his atheism, Whitcomb desires to expand the chaplain's powers and eventually take over the position himself. He believes that Tappman is weak and lacks confidence in the men. Whitcomb is offended when the chaplain refrains from sharing the details of his meeting with Cathcart, unable to understand why the chaplain appears perpetually offended. Tappman recalls the funeral service for Snowden, during which he saw a vision of a naked man in a nearby tree. Unable to explain the vision, he keeps it to himself but wishes he could discuss it with Yossarian. Whitcomb reveals that military intelligence suspects the chaplain as the culprit behind the recent Washington Irving incidents and the theft of plum tomatoes. The news further discourages the chaplain, leaving him anxious, while Whitcomb revels in the chaos he has caused.
After recounting the events of the Great Big Siege of Bologna and Yossarian's hospital stay, the narrative jumps back to the present month in 1944.
Colonel Cathcart becomes increasingly concerned about the problem posed by Yossarian and his constant complaints.Yossarian not only persistently harasses Cathcart about the mission quota but also managed to embarrass the colonel by appearing naked during a medal ceremony, despite also receiving a medal for bravery. Yossarian has also caused other men to moan during a previous mission briefing.
Under the influence of Colonel Korn, Cathcart begins growing tomatoes and selling them on the black market. He also has a secret farmhouse in the hills, arranged by Korn, which they use as a waystation for their black-market goods. Cathcart despises spending time there but accepts Korn's assurance that it is legal, as he is in no position to disagree. Cathcart contemplates the consequences of his recent actions and wonders if Yossarian is responsible for all the drawbacks. However, he convinces himself that constantly increasing the mission quota is beneficial. He hopes to impress General Peckem and eventually replace General Dreedle as the commander of combat units.
General Dreedle is accompanied by an attractive young nurse and his disliked son-in-law, Moodus, wherever he goes. Cathcart remembers an incident where Dreedle encountered Yossarian while he was naked and learned about his medal for bravery, which Yossarian refused to wear. Yossarian explained that he couldn't wear clothes because he held the dying Snowden in his arms, covered in the young man's blood, tarnishing the uniform forever. Despite Cathcart's desire to punish Yossarian, Dreedle intervened. Cathcart also recalls when Yossarian made moaning noises in the presence of Dreedle's nurse, leading to the whole squadron mocking her. Korn intervened to impress his superiors, but Cathcart knows that Dreedle was disgusted by Korn's obsequious behavior.
During a mission to Avignon, where Snowden was killed, Korn attempted to impress the superior officers. Yossarian now blames Dobbs, a terrible pilot, for Snowden's death. In the present, Dobbs devises a plan to kill Cathcart and other potential victims, hoping that Yossarian will assist him. However, Yossarian refuses to get involved and instead flies missions to collect items for Milo's black market. Dobbs abandons
his plan because Yossarian doesn't approve.
Yossarian, Milo, and Orr stock up on supplies, and during their supply mission, they realize the extent of Milo's expanding black-market operations. Milo has become the mayor of the Italian city of Palermo and holds positions in other cities. In certain parts of Africa, Milo is even worshipped. Everyone allows Milo to continue his illegalactivities because he assures them that everyone has a share in the black-market syndicate. When they land in Palermo, the crowds cheer Milo's arrival. Despite Milo's growing wealth and influence, he makes Orr and Yossarian sleep in the plane while he stays in palaces. One night, Milo wakes them up for an urgent mission to deliver a shipment to the next destination. They fly to various cities where Milo is adored, and in each place, Yossarian and Orr have to sleep in the plane. Only in Egypt do they stay in a hotel, where Milo buys a large quantity of Egyptian cotton.
Nately is in love with an Italian sex worker who reciprocates his love. He searches for her in Rome and convinces Yossarian and Aarfy to pay for the services of her colleagues. Aarfy declines, hoping that Nately's wealthy father will give him a job after the war, so they recruit Hungry Joe instead. However, the sex worker becomes hostile towards Nately and insults him.
The three hired sex workers take Nately, Yossarian, Dunbar, and Hungry Joe to their apartment. While Nately engages in a discussion about philosophy and morality with an elderly man, Hungry Joe contemplates whether he should rush back to the base to get his camera to photograph the young women. Nately argues with the neighbor about which country, Italy or the United States, is faring better in the war. The neighbor insists that during war, the only objective is to stay alive, which Italy is managing. Throughout the conversation, the neighbor reveals that he was the person who threw the flower that hit Major de Coverley in the eye. Nately is outraged by the man's ambiguous loyalties and upset that his attempts to be intimate with the sex worker are interrupted. The next morning, Nately finally has sex with her, but they are interrupted by her younger sister. As the sisters fight, Nately tries to
settle the argument by taking them both to breakfast. Seeing the neighbor again reminds Nately of his father, although they are very different men, and he feels a confusing sense of shame.
Milo expands his black-market empire, controlling a significant portion of contraband products worldwide and playing a vital role in the global economy. He uses various militaries and air forces to transport his goods, rebranding them with his company's name.Despite his claims that everyone has a stake in the syndicate, Milo never actually shares the profits. He takes bombing assignments from rival governments, accepting payment from the Germans to shoot down American planes and from the Americans to bomb the Germans. The German guns he acquires were the same guns that killed Mudd, a deceased young airman still technically assigned to Yossarian's tent. Yossarian has not forgiven Milo for this. Milo justifies his actions by stating that he is trying to put the war on a businesslike basis and reminds Yossarian of his own stake in the syndicate.
Milo asks Yossarian to help him sell a large supply of Egyptian cotton. If he fails to sell the cotton, Milo explains that the entire syndicate is at risk. In an attempt to compensate for the cotton issue, Milo accepts a contract from the Germans and bombs his own base, causing numerous casualties. Politicians and the public demand Milo's punishment, claiming that he has gone too far. However, Milo reveals the profits they stand to gain from the syndicate. Although everyone has a share, he never actually distributes these profits. The attack on the base deeply affects Doc Daneeka, similar to the impact of the Avignon mission with Snowden on Yossarian.
On the day of the Avignon mission, Daneeka had provided medical care to the shattered Yossarian with pills and shots. Yossarian, still naked after the mission due to his refusal to wear clothes, climbed a tree. Milo discovered Yossarian in the tree and asked for his help in selling the Egyptian cotton. When Yossarian suggested selling it to the government, Milo was delighted with the idea but concerned that Yossarian's nakedness might start a trend that could hinder the cotton sale.
The Chaplain, Tappman, is going through a crisis of faith and feels uneasy around the other men in the squadron who treat him poorly and make him uncomfortable. He is intimidated by their loud voices and doesn't feel like an effective religious leader. He has fallen into a deep depression but finds solace in strange religious visions, one of which is a vision of a naked man in a tree that he saw during Snowden's memorial service. Unbeknownst to him, the naked man was actually Yossarian.
The other officers confuse and concern the Chaplain, but the only person who seems to understand his emotions is Corporal Whitcomb,who constantly undermines him. The Chaplain has nightmares about his family dying while he is away and is haunted by the image of the naked man in the tree, unable to explain its significance. When he tries to discuss mission requirements and their impact on morale with Major, he is unable to meet with him. Feeling overwhelmed, the Chaplain convinces himself that the men are playing a practical joke on him and jumps out of the office window. He goes to his tent, where Whitcomb informs him that Major Major left a letter for him. However, Whitcomb has read and disposed of the letter, accusing the Chaplain of being incapable of responsible delegation.
Hastily returning to Major Major's office, the Chaplain encounters Flume, who used to share a tent with Chief White Halfoat but now sleeps in the forest out of fear. Flume panics and accuses the Chaplain of wanting to harm him. After Flume runs away, the Chaplain goes back to his tent. Whitcomb proudly announces that he has been promoted from corporal to sergeant because Colonel Cathcart liked his idea for a potential newspaper story. When the Chaplain attempts to talk to the Colonel, Cathcart dismisses his concerns and plans to volunteer the men for another mission to Avignon. Later, Cathcart tries to have the Chaplain expelled from the officers' club. Distraught, the Chaplain begins to question his own belief in God.
The time when Nately fell in love with a sex worker who was sitting in a room with several enlisted men. She played blackjack with her lower
half naked, but Nately was the only one interested in her. However, she quickly grew tired of Nately and rejected his money. Aarfy insulted the woman, which offended Nately. Aarfy continued to insult her while expressing his desire to work for Nately's wealthy father after the war.
Aarfy, known for his poor sense of direction, is responsible for one of Yossarian's legitimate trips to the hospital. The story then jumps to a fiasco in September 1944, when Aarfy serves as the navigator on a flight over Leghorn. Bullets pierce the plane, hitting Yossarian in the leg, causing him to faint. When Yossarian regains consciousness in the hospital, he sees his friend Dunbar, who managed to convince an enlisted man named A. Fortiori to switch places with him. Yossarian does the same and assumes theidentity of Homer Lumley. However, the medical staff eventually uncovers the deception, and Nurse Duckett drags Yossarian back to his proper bed by his ear.
After the medical staff discovers Yossarian and Dunbar's identity swap, the two men sexually assault one of the nurses, Nurse Duckett. She is a tall, mature woman with a straight posture and serves as Yossarian's nurse. Yossarian, in an attempt to "help" her, puts his hand up her skirt, and Dunbar joins in by grabbing her breasts when she shouts. A doctor intervenes to rescue Nurse Duckett from the men, and Yossarian apologizes to her. Yossarian claims to be "crazy" and manages to secure an appointment with Major Sanderson, the psychiatrist.
During his conversation with Sanderson, Yossarian mentions a recurring dream about a fish. Sanderson, who seems interested in psychoanalysis, finds the dream fascinating. They continue to discuss dreams, even though their conversation becomes nonsensical, but the psychiatrist becomes increasingly captivated. Wanting to please Sanderson but running out of his own dream stories, Yossarian later seeks out other men to gather their dream stories to present as his own. However, when he shares these dreams with Sanderson, one of the dreams disturbs the psychiatrist, causing him to become angry. It becomes apparent that Sanderson believes Yossarian is actually A. Fortiori. Still enraged by the dream, Sanderson insists that Yossarian
should be shot.
As rumors circulate about other squadrons being sent home, Dobbs reiterates his plan to kill Colonel Cathcart, whom he accuses of being the real "murderer." Yossarian informs Sanderson that he believes people are trying to kill him, but the psychiatrist reacts angrily and concludes that Yossarian is "crazy," recommending that he be sent back to the United States. However, due to incorrect paperwork, A. Fortiori is sent home while Yossarian is sent back to the camp. Furious, Yossarian confronts Doc Daneeka, insisting that now, with a licensed psychiatrist deeming him "crazy," Daneeka must ground him from further flights. Yossarian argues that it is unacceptable to send a "crazy man" to his death, but Daneeka refuses to ground him, stating that if he grounded every "crazy" person, there would be no one left to fly.
Yossarian seeks out Dobbs and gives his approval for Dobbs's plan to kill Colonel Cathcart. However, Dobbs has completed the required 60 missions and is waiting to go home, so he nolonger has a motive to kill the colonel. Dobbs suggests that Orr might be willing to carry out the plan, but Orr has his own problems. Recently, Orr crashed another plane and discovered that Milo had replaced the carbon dioxide inflation cylinders with notes stating, "what's good for M&M Enterprises is good for the country."
Yossarian finds Orr in their tent, tinkering with a stove he has installed. Orr is an exceptionally skilled engineer and crash-lands his plane with precision, but he struggles with interpersonal relationships. Yossarian worries that Orr will eventually be taken advantage of by someone. Orr suggests that Yossarian join him on a mission to practice crash landing, dropping hints that go over Yossarian's head. Yossarian is concerned about the possibility of another mission to Bologna. As Orr makes annoying noises, Yossarian finds solace in the thought of killing his tentmate. The men engage in a discussion about women, with Yossarian believing that all women are "crazy," while Orr points out that few women actually like Yossarian. Orr repeatedly offers to reveal why a naked woman in Rome was hitting him with a shoe, but Yossarian declines his offer.
In September 1944, Orr flies another mission to Bologna and crash
lands on the water once again. He inflates his survival raft, which drifts away. Orr disappears, and the stove in the tent works perfectly.
Scheisskopf's promotion to colonel and his transfer to General Peckem's staff terrify the other men. Peckem hopes that bringing Scheisskopf on board will give him an advantage over his rival, General Dreedle. However, Scheisskopf is disappointed because he is unable to bring his wife to Italy or participate in weekly parades as he had been led to believe by officers in the States. Peckem manipulates his colonels against each other as part of his plan to overshadow General Dreedle. Scheisskopf and Cathcart find themselves competing for Peckem's approval while remaining suspicious of one another. Peckem reveals to Scheisskopf that he invented the meaningless term "bomb pattern," and now the focus of the missions has shifted towards aesthetics rather than actual objectives.
When Peckem instructs Scheisskopf to join him for Colonel Cathcart's briefing, Scheisskopf reluctantly attends. During the briefing, the men are informed that they will be dropping bombs on a "tiny, undefended" village. The men are displeased with the mission. Unbeknownst to them, the true purpose of the mission is to obtainclean aerial photographs of the bomb patterns for Peckem. However, the commanders themselves are unaware of Peckem's indifference. Cathcart becomes angry at Scheisskopf's presence and takes over the briefing. Despite his shaky performance, Cathcart convinces himself that he has done an excellent job.
Dunbar disregards his orders and drops his bombs far away from the village, which is supposed to be targeted. Yossarian grows concerned about Dunbar, who appears to be wasting away. The memory of Snowden's death triggers panic within Yossarian. McWatt continues to fly recklessly, disregarding safety precautions, much to Yossarian's frustration, who threatens to kill him. After a mission, McWatt notices Yossarian's deteriorating condition and promises not to buzz the camp again to avoid worrying him. However, McWatt's behavior remains
unchangeable. During this time, Yossarian develops a relationship with Nurse Duckett. They meet and spend time together on the beach, engaging in sexual activities. As they lie together, gazing at the sea, Yossarian feels a sense of comfort and never loneliness in Nurse Duckett's presence. However, his thoughts also turn to his deceased friends, Orr and Clevinger, both believed to be lost at sea. Yossarian holds Nurse Duckett for solace.
McWatt performs one of his favorite tricks, flying his plane low over the beach. Unfortunately, his propellers catch Kid Sampson, causing him to be cut in half and his insides to spray across the beach. Chaos ensues, with people screaming and running. Realizing the consequences of his actions, McWatt flies higher and higher as Yossarian desperately urges him to return to base. Yossarian understands that McWatt intends to end his own life by crashing the plane into a mountain. Colonel Cathcart, shocked by the death and suicide, decides to raise the required number of missions to 65.
It is October 1944, and Colonel Cathcart mistakenly believes that Doc Daneeka also perished in McWatt's crash. Shocked by this news, Cathcart decides to increase the required number of missions to 70. However, Daneeka was not on McWatt's plane; he had bribed Yossarian to falsify the flight records to make it seem like he had completed his required missions. Daneeka, who despises flying, is shocked to learn that he was presumed dead alongside McWatt. In the United States, his wife receives a letter confirming her husband's death. Though initially dismayed, she finds solace in the prospect of receiving her husband's pension andthe life insurance policy. She changes her appearance by dyeing her hair and welcomes the attention from her husband's friends.
The men at the base hold Doc Daneeka responsible for Cathcart's decision to raise the mission quota to 70. As Daneeka no longer has a position on the base since he is technically dead, he begins to feel like he is actually deceased. He writes to his wife, pleading with her to rectify the situation. However, after a brief period of contemplation, Daneeka's wife decides not to help and relocates to Michigan with their children,
leaving no forwarding address.
As the weather gets colder, Yossarian wakes up every day with thoughts of Kid Sampson and Snowden on his mind. Four new young men join Yossarian's tent to replace the missing Orr. These 21-year-old recruits, who have never flown a mission, play around and give Yossarian the nickname "Yo-Yo," much to his infuriation. Yossarian even contemplates killing them. Reluctant to abandon the tent that belonged to Orr and Mudd, Yossarian asks Chief White Halfoat to scare the young men away, but Halfoat decides to stay in the hospital as he wishes to die of pneumonia. Despite developing some affection for the young men, Yossarian's loathing intensifies when they burn the logs for Orr's stove and discard Mudd's belongings. Yossarian panics and takes a leave of absence, heading to Rome with Hungry Joe. The following day in the city, the sex worker whom Nately loves wakes up and realizes that she, too, is in love.
While in Rome, Yossarian starts to miss Nurse Duckett and unsuccessfully searches for Luciana, whom he had an encounter with before. Nately asks Yossarian for help in rescuing his beloved sex worker, referred to as "Nately's whore," from a group of Army officers in a hotel room. The officers are trying to make her say "uncle" as part of a nonsensical game, but only if she doesn't want to say it. The woman remains apathetic and unresponsive, both during sex with the officers and in their game. Yossarian and Nately intervene and successfully rescue the woman. After the experience, she begins to fall in love with Nately, reciprocating his feelings. They spend time together in bed until the woman's little sister enters the room, also expressing her love for Nately. Conflict arises as Nately envisions a future withhis beloved, wanting to take her back to the United States and give up her life as a sex worker. However, the woman becomes angry and attacks Nately,
leading to a heated argument. Despite their disagreements, Nately pleads with her, proposing that they work for his wealthy father and raise her little sister as their daughter. Nately's idealistic view of love has made him into a "romantic idiot." When Nately mentions a lecherous neighbor and asks her not to speak with him, she becomes even more furious. Eventually, Nately leaves, and the woman starts missing him. The narrative also mentions her anger towards Yossarian for punching Nately and breaking his nose.
Thanksgiving Day in 1944, where Milo treats the men to an extravagant meal and cheap whiskey. The next day, Yossarian is awakened by the sound of machine gun fire. Thinking that Milo is attacking the squadron again, Yossarian realizes that the men are drunkenly firing the guns for their amusement. Enraged, Yossarian is consumed by hatred and grabs his own gun to stop them. Nately tries to intervene, and in the process, Yossarian punches Nately, breaking his nose. Nately is sent to the hospital, and Yossarian feels guilty about the incident.
In the hospital, Yossarian and Nately encounter the chaplain, who has claimed to have a fictional disease called "Wisconsin shingles." The chaplain's stay in the hospital has allowed him to reflect on virtue and vice, making him feel better about having learned how to sin. Suddenly, a man wrapped in white bandages is brought into the room. Dunbar, from another bed, starts shouting that the man is back, believing he is the same Soldier in White from a previous hospital stay. The patients join in the chant, convinced that it is the same person. However, Dunbar suddenly claims that there is nobody inside the bandages and that the Soldier in White is "hollow inside." The patients, including Yossarian, start screaming along with Dunbar. Nurse Duckett takes Yossarian aside and shares a rumor that a group of doctors plans to "disappear" Dunbar. When Yossarian tries to warn Dunbar, he seems to have vanished.
Chief White Halfoat successfully fulfills his wish to die from pneumonia, while Nately completes the required 70 missions. Yossarian prays to Nately, begging him not to volunteer for any more missions, but Natelyinsists on staying in Italy with the sex worker he loves. Yossarian speaks to Milo, who then talks to Colonel Cathcart. At this point, Milo has been caught engaging in fraudulent activities, and his promises regarding the syndicate have been exposed as lies. Despite knowing the truth, the men still admire Milo for his business skills and "virtuous disdain." Milo confesses to Cathcart that he feels guilty about not flying any missions and requests to be assigned one. Cathcart considers the proposition, fearing that someone else will need to take over Milo's black-market operations, which Cathcart and Korn are heavily involved in. As Milo explains the intricacies of his operations, he subtly convinces Cathcart that he is the only one capable of running them. Cathcart agrees to find someone else to fly Milo's required missions and promises to award any medals earned during those missions to Milo. Milo mentions that he heard Nately might be interested in flying more missions. Cathcart agrees to include Nately and adds Yossarian to the list as well. Milo protests, citing their friendship, but eventually concedes that Yossarian does not deserve any special treatment. Additionally, Cathcart raises the required number of missions to 80. The following day, during a mission, many people die, including Dobbs and Nately.
Nately's death deeply affects Chaplain Tappman. As he watches the men return from the mission, the military police arrive and arrest the chaplain on unspecified charges. He is brought before an unnamed colonel who accuses him of being involved in the Washington Irving forgery campaign. The colonel presents a letter, actually written by Yossarian, where Yossarian signed the chaplain's name while censoring letters. The chaplain becomes increasingly frustrated by the absurd accusations and expresses his lack of patience for such nonsense. The colonel also accuses him of stealing Cathcart's plum tomatoes and denying that atheism is against the law. The chaplain faces numerous accusations but is eventually released while his captors determine how and when to punish him. Angry, the chaplain attempts to speak with Colonel Korn. He confronts Korn about the failed mission and Cathcart's
decision to raise the mission quota to 80. When the chaplain threatens to bring these issues to General Dreedle, Korn reveals that Peckem has replaced Dreedle as the wing commander. Cathcart and Korn now have the power to make the men fly as many missions as theywant, and anyone who challenges them is sent to the Pacific.
General Peckem's promotion quickly unravels as he realizes that Scheisskopf has also been promoted to lieutenant general and now outranks him. Scheisskopf takes over the squadron, becoming Peckem's superior, and immediately plans to organize parades.
Yossarian refuses to fly any more missions and participates in one of Scheisskopf's parades, marching backward to watch for anyone sneaking up on him. Cathcart and Korn decide to send Yossarian to Rome, feeling sympathy for him due to the recent loss of his friends. In Rome, Yossarian informs Nately's sex worker about his death, and she attempts to kill him with a potato peeler. Her younger sister also tries to harm Yossarian with a knife. Injured, Yossarian seeks refuge in a Red Cross hospital but is attacked again by the woman when he leaves. She continues to stalk him, prompting Yossarian and Hungry Joe to fly her back to Rome. News of Yossarian's refusal to fly missions spreads throughout the base, and although many people secretly support him, the officers offer him a secret deal to fly only safe missions, which he rejects.
Later, Captain Black informs Yossarian that the sex worker and her sister have been evicted from their apartment in Rome. The military police vandalized their place, leaving Yossarian horrified by their treatment of the "kid sister."
Yossarian and Milo travel to Rome, where Milo warns Yossarian that his actions are endangering the squadron and jeopardizing his own freedom and independence. They witness the ruins of the city and encounter an older woman who explains that the residents were chased out of a hospital by aggressive soldiers quoting Catch-22 as justification. Yossarian offers to fly as many missions as Cathcart wants in exchange for helping him find Nately's sex worker and her sister. However, Milo becomes distracted by the lucrative opportunity to smuggle tobacco, abandoning Yossarian. Alone in the devastated city, Yossarian is shocked by the violence and desperation he witnesses. Crimes, rapes, and violence are rampant, and even the police appear corrupt. Back at the base, Yossarian discovers that Aarfy has assaulted and killed a maid. When the military police arrive, they apologize to Aarfy and arrest Yossarian for not having the proper paperwork to visit Rome. Yossarian is dragged back to the base, whereColonel Korn informs him that they are sending him home.
Colonels Cathcart and Korn attempt to find a way to send Yossarian back to the United States but are hindered by Catch-22. They offer Yossarian a deal that would allow him to return home, but only if he supports them, speaks favorably of them, and pretends the deal never happened. In return, Yossarian would be promoted to the rank of major. Yossarian considers the deal but realizes it would be a betrayal to his fellow airmen who would have to continue flying dangerous missions. Despite this, he accepts the deal, primarily because he wants to go home. As Yossarian leaves the office feeling relieved, the sex worker disguised as an enlisted man leaps out and stabs him, leaving him unconscious.
Yossarian wakes up in the hospital, where doctors argue about his treatment. The same colonel who interrogated the chaplain questions Yossarian. Eventually, Yossarian undergoes surgery, and upon waking, he is visited by the chaplain and Aarfy, who surprisingly hasn't been imprisoned for murder. Yossarian tries to inform the chaplain about the
deal offered by Cathcart and Korn, expressing his intention to reject it. However, the official report mistakenly identifies Yossarian's attacker as a Nazi assassin. Yossarian attempts to recall which of his friends are still alive, only remembering Hungry Joe, who died in his sleep. Another man, angry and withholding information about Yossarian's friend, briefly appears and then disappears. Yossarian lies back in his hospital bed and has a vivid flashback to the mission where Snowden died, reliving the traumatic experience.
Still in the hospital, Yossarian informs Major Danby that he has decided to reject the deal with Cathcart and Korn. He refuses to betray his fallen friends and plans to desert. Danby tells Yossarian that there is no hope for someone in his situation as everyone will lie about him and ensure he is court-martialed. Yossarian agrees. The chaplain rushes into the hospital to inform Yossarian that Orr has been found alive, having intentionally escaped to Sweden. Inspired by Orr's successful desertion, Yossarian decides to join him. He gathers his belongings and receives money from Danby to fund his escape. As he leaves the hospital, the sex worker attacks him once again, but Yossarian manages to flee.