control as well as its universal appeal. Despite the existence of "catch-22", Yossarian must endeavor, so far as in his power lies, to do whatever he can to maintain his very existence (Olderman 230). Although Heller claims that Catch-22 doesn't try to undermine World War II (Bryant 228), it still struck a cord in the postwar generations of the 1950's and 1960's that found Catch-22 to be an anti-bureaucracy, anti-McCarthy, and anti-military novel (Themes online). Furthermore, Catch-22's zaniness appeals to the student who, despite his egotistical exterior, is deeply confused and frightened (Karl 135). Catch-22's satire-like style degrades traditional institutions such as society, business, psychiatry, medicine, law, and the military and portrays these as posing a threat to individualism (Bryant 228). The novel's basic belief in individual preservation is accurately summarized by Karl: "Its [Catch-22's] surface extravagance masks a serious purpose: that in an impossible situation, one finally has to honor his own self; that in an absurd universe, the individual has the right to seek survival; that one's own substance is infinitely more precious that any cause; however right, that one must be asked to give his own life unless everybody is willing to give his" (136).In conclusion, Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22 was one of many novels he produced throughout his writing career: however, it is arguably his best work. Although it has received mixed reviews from critics, it has drawn a following of devoted readers because of its moving themes of self-preservation. The readers of Catch-22 will indubitably feel fear and mistrust of a system that seeks to destroy one's own life for the system's gain and will find the phrase "catch-22" engraved in his memory forever....
