How does the setting of Catch-22 contribute to the novel's
themes?
The setting of Catch-22 is a critical component in developing several major
themes. The novel is set during World War II on the island of Pianosa, a
fictitious location in the Mediterranean Sea. The war and the military system
are the primary factors that shape the characters' lives and experiences.
One of the primary themes developed through the setting is the absurdity of
war. Pianosa is a quiet, peaceful island that is transformed into a chaotic hub
of activity during the war. The constant drone of airplanes, the influx of military
personnel, the destruction of nature, and the daily threat of death serve to
illustrate the absurdity of the war effort.
The setting also highlights the characters' struggle with power and authority.
The military hierarchy is deeply ingrained in the system, and those in power
have unquestioned authority over those below them. The base commander,
Colonel Cathcart, obsessively raises the number of missions each crew must
fly, which demonstrates the power that he holds over the men.
Finally, the setting of the novel deepens the theme of isolation. The island is
an isolating place, and the characters on Pianosa are cut off from the rest of
the world. They are stranded, forced to survive by their own wits and
resources, and exist in a state of chaotic limbo that both isolates and
constrains them.
Overall, the setting of Catch-22 is an essential component in developing the
themes of the novel. It contributes to the development of the characters, the
moods and emotions conveyed, and the overall message of the novel.
References:
- Heller, J. (1996). Catch-22. Vintage.
- Hassler, D. M. (2012). Through the dark pastures of Catch-22: Heller's satiric metafiction.
Studies in the Novel, 44(1), 1-22.
- Potts, G. (2016). ‘We’ve Lost the War’: Revisiting Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. Ethical Space,
13(3/4), 54-64.