Irony in Catch 22 by Joseph Heller Essay - 865 Words

Irony in Catch-22 by Joseph Heller According to The Merriam - Webster Dictionary Irony is 1.) the use of words to express the opposite of what one really means 2.) incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the expected result (380) In Catch-22 the type of irony that Heller uses is the second definition incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the expected results (Merriam - Webster Dictionary 380). For example in Catch-22 Heller writes Actually, there were many officers clubs that Yossarian had not helped build, but he was proudest of the one on Pianosa (18). You would have expected Heller to write he was proudest of the club that he built but he says the opposite and that†¦show more content†¦The comic formula Catch-22 sums up mans position on am absurd universe, and the novel shows that is applies to every aspect of life: to war, to love, to business, even to religion. (Colmer 210) Part of the irony that envelops Catch-22 is the use of its extremely creative dialogue and scenes in the story. Heller places the reader in a atmosphere where comedy shouldnt be able to exist at all, but Heller somehow puts a reverse on the normality and creates a memorable scene. Heller invents dialogue rich in humor and pathos in order to fit the serious religious and philosophical implications of Catch-22 into his comic novel. (Colmer 212) The comedy that Catch-22 brings is ironic in itself, think how can you get humor out of war which entails pain and suffering, that beats me how Heller does it but by whatever means used Heller creates a complete package of humor and real life occurrences which is a great fete in itself. Though its comic formula riddle, Hellers novel expresses the apparently inescapable human predicament. (Colmer 213) The irony is also that Heller points to something more deep and unknown that war, pain, and suffering itself. In this way Heller points to the inner realms of mans consciousness and sanity to find a completely different and unique personalityShow MoreRelated Essay on Satire, Sarcasm, and Irony in Catch-22 by Joseph Heller684 Words   |  3 PagesSatire, Sarcasm, and Irony in Catch-22  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Joseph Hellers narration, dialogue, and characterization in Catch-22 all create a unique perspective of war and our societys bureaucracy. The satire, sarcasm, irony, and general absurdity of the novel provide a view of the irrationality of mans behavior. The horror that is portrayed in Catch-22 is intensified by the humorous way in which it is portrayed. Distortion and exaggeration highlight the characters and scenario while magnifying the confusionRead MoreWar in Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut and Catch-22 by Joseph Heller1074 Words   |  5 PagesSlaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut and Catch-22 by Joseph Heller both have a striking resemblance in the themes of anti-war and of free will. 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