Catch-22

The theme of personal integrity runs throughout Catch-22 and is central to an understanding of Yossarian. The novel presents a struggle between individual and institution. Yossarian confronts military authority; but others join him, such as the admirable Chaplain Tappman who changes from a timid soul to a real fighter under Yossarian's influence. In the base hospital, the soldier in white represents loss of identity within the system. No one knows whether the soldier is a man or a woman or black or white or, indeed, whether there is even a soldier inside all that gauze and plaster casing. To regain one's identity, each person must seek his own personal integrity. Yossarian, who would seem most skeptical about integrity, does take a stand in the end. He rejects Colonel Korn's "deal" even though it offers Yossarian an automatic trip home, superficial honor and respect, and peace at last. Although it may seem best for him and for the authorities, Yossarian cannot accept Korn's offer because it would be a betrayal of the rest of the squadron. He would be losing himself to the system. To find himself, he must declare a separate peace and flee.