The question is: what is a sane man to do in an insane society?

The question is: what is a sane man to do in an insane society?

In Joseph Heller's iconic novel "Catch-22," the question of what a sane man is to do in an insane society is at the heart of the story. Set during World War II, the novel follows the experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier who is stationed on the fictional island of Pianosa. Yossarian is surrounded by madness, from the absurdity of war to the bureaucratic red tape that governs his every move.

Yossarian finds himself caught in a catch-22, a paradoxical situation in which he is unable to escape his duties as a soldier. He is constantly at odds with the military hierarchy, particularly Colonel Cathcart and Major Major, who seem more concerned with their own advancement than the well-being of their men. Yossarian's attempts to avoid flying dangerous missions are thwarted at every turn, leading him to question his own sanity in the face of such irrationality.

As the novel progresses, Heller explores the theme of sanity in an insane society through the experiences of Yossarian and his fellow soldiers. The men on Pianosa are subjected to a never-ending cycle of violence, death, and absurdity, which takes a toll on their mental health. Yossarian's struggle to maintain his sanity in the face of such madness is a central theme of the novel, as he grapples with the futility of war and the arbitrary nature of authority.

Ultimately, Heller suggests that in an insane society, the only sane response is to rebel against the status quo. Yossarian's refusal to conform to the rules of the military and his determination to survive at all costs are acts of defiance against the irrationality of war. By questioning the values and beliefs of his superiors, Yossarian asserts his own sanity in a world gone mad.