Chapters 17-20
Heller’s writing style in “Catch-22” is a bit unorthodox in the sense that the story is not told in a straightforward manner. Each chapter tells a mini story, ranging across many different years. Some of the mini stories tell of times back in America during training while others focus on things that are happening at present amongst the men. Everyone of these mini stories centers on a central character and offers some background information about his life and how he got to where he currently is. There are quite a few dead characters, but for much of the book they seem to be alive because the mini stories take place before their death, and while this writing style keeps the story exiting and I find rather enjoyable to read, it makes it very difficult to recall which characters are alive and what is happening elsewhere in the war.
Heller has also established several different plot lines. There is Yossarian’s quest to get himself grounded and avoid flying by hospitalizing himself. Another plot line is that of the C.I.D men trying to find out who “Washington Ivring” or ‘Ivring Washington” is. There is also the story of poor Major Major who has no idea what he should be doing so he simply wastes time. Out of all of these, Yossarain’s story seems to be the most prominent story line and because of that, I would consider it the main plot line, even through it is not mentioned in every chapter.
