what does someone mean when they say something is a “Catch-22”. Please include any details from the novel that would make the explanation easier.

Question

what does someone mean when they say something is a “Catch-22”. Please include any details from the novel that would make the explanation easier.

In: Other

Answer 1

The paradox is presented as the trap that confined members of the US Air Force. The ‘catch’ was this:
It was effectively impossible to be exempted from highly dangerous bombing missions on the grounds of insanity.
Anyone who applied for exemption proved himself to be sane (after all, that’s what any sane person would do). Anyone who didn’t apply must be crazy (after all, it was so dangerous).
So, those who applied for exemption were considered sane and those who were insane didn’t apply. Either way, sane or insane, they were sent on the missions.