Study Guide
Catch-22 is a famous (and controversial) anti-war novel by Joseph Heller. Here are a few questions for study and discussion.
- What is important about the title? Is there a reference in the novel that explains the title?
- What are the conflicts in Catch-22? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) do you see in the novel?
- How does Joseph Heller reveal character in Catch-22?
- What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- Compare Catch-22 with other satirical novels? Is Catch-22 effective as a satire, particularly with its black humor?
- What are some symbols in Catch-22? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- Is John Yossarian consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed characters? Why is this character often referred to as an "anti-hero"?
- Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?
- Discuss some of the symbols in Catch-22.
- What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
- Why is the novel so controversial? Do you think the book should be censored or banned?
- How effective do you think the novel is/was as a statement against war? Compare this anti-war novel with other novels of its type.
- How does sanity/insanity figure into the plot of the novel?
- How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
- What is the role of family and community in this novel?
- Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
- Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
