Summary and Analysis by Chapter

Chapters 7–8

When Yossarian goes on bombing missions, his pilot ordinarily is McWatt. At other times, McWatt enjoys flying low over the squadron, buzzing Yossarian's tent as well as the bathers at the beach. McWatt seems reasonably sane but unusually happy with the war. He whistles "bouncy show tunes constantly" and usually wears a smile.

As often is the case, however, the chapter named for one character is really about someone else. Chapter 7 is mostly about Lieutenant Milo Minderbinder, the new mess officer and a burgeoning entrepreneurial wizard. Chapter 8 flashes back to the previous year when Yossarian was in cadet school at Santa Ana, California, with Clevinger. Because he offends Lieutenant Scheisskopf, Clevinger is put on trial.

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