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| '''''Catch-22''''' is a ] by ] about the madness of war. Specifically, it follows a number of American airmen during ], based on the island of ], south of ]. | '''''Catch-22''''' is a ] ] by ] about the madness of war. Specifically, it follows a number of American airmen during ], based on the island of ], south of ]. | ||
| Within the book, ''catch-22'' is the circular logic that prevents anyone from being invalided out of the military: | Within the book, ''catch-22'' is the circular logic that prevents anyone from being invalided out of the military: | ||
Revision as of 18:04, 23 March 2003
Catch-22 is a 1961 novel by Joseph Heller about the madness of war. Specifically, it follows a number of American airmen during World War II, based on the island of Pianosa, south of Italy.
Within the book, catch-22 is the circular logic that prevents anyone from being invalided out of the military:
- one can only be excused from flying bombing missions on the grounds of insanity;
- one must ask to be considered.
However, should someone ask, it must be because he is in fear for his life. This is proof of sanity, and therefore he is obliged to continue flying missions.
If someone is truly insane, he doesn't ask, and therefore continues flying missions, even though technically he doesn't have to.
The phrase has become common to refer to any similar self-referential policy.
Catch-22 is also a movie based on Heller's book, released in 1970 with a screenplay by Buck Henry. The cast included Alan Arkin, Art Garfunkel, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins, Paula Prentiss, Jon Voight, and Orson Welles. The film was directed by Mike Nichols.