Catch 22

It is clear that Yossarian, the protagonist in Joseph Heller’s Catch-22, is a man of integrity and compassion despite the selfish, opportunistic image he makes frequent attempts to create for himself. His anxiety regarding sadness in the world, his concern for Nately’s whore’s kid sister, and his rejection of an easy way out of the war prove that Yossarian is, in fact, a man of honor. After finding the brothel in Rome …

…his squadron would not expect Yossarian to take part in. In the final chapters of the novel, Yossarian’s image turns from selfish to charitable and dignified, as he finally is able to display his true emotions. This is probably due to his discovery of Orr’s survival taking the same escape to Sweden. He sees a new hopeful outlook at the world and knows that he can help the world become a safer place.