Catch 22- motif

The dominant literary feature in Catch 22 is motif. The definition of motif is, a recurrent thematic element in an artist or literary work . The author used this literary element so heavily to get across his point that many things in life are ironic and full of difficulties beyond ones control. Joseph Heller also used motif as the dominant literary element to keep the reader interested and keep the novel going.



If you know what the definition of catch 22 is then you would know that this book is full of irony. Satire and irony are the theme of this book. Catch-22 reaccures at least ten times in this book. A selection from the book of catch-22 is, "There is only one catch and that was catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more mission and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. if he flew them he was crazy and he didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was deeply moved by the absolute simplicity of this clause of catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle." That selection basically defines what catch-22 is. The difinition of catch- 22 is a frustrating situation in which one is trapped by condradictory regulations or conditions. The phrase "catch-22" occurs many times in this book and stands out as a motif. That is why it is the dominant literary feature in Catch-22.