Catch-22 Topic #1: Characterization

DIRECT and INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
Two techniques that writers use to create character are "direct" and "indirect" characterization. Direct characterization TELLS the reader about the character. For example, an omniscent narrator may tell the reader "the class waited patiently for the teacher to announce the due date for the big paper."
In contrast to "direct" characterization, "indirect" characterization SHOWS the reader who a character is through speech, thoughts, and actions. An example of indirect characterization may read: on the first day of class Kevin sauntered confidently into the room with his ten page HTRLLAP paper in hand. Flopping it down on Erik’s desk, he bragged, “Dude, I would’ve been up all night working on this if my mom didn't help me finish. If I don’t get an A on this, the teacher is whack.”
Erik held his breath in annoyed silence. “Man,” he thought to himself, “this could be a long year…”


Looking at the examples of direct and indirect characterization, select your favorite or least favorite charachter and briefly analyze him or her. How does Heller create character? Consider dialogue, sensory imagery, point of view, timeline, action...

Catch-22 Topic #2: The Power of "NO"

RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING: According to Joseph Heller, “The only freedom we really have is the freedom to say no.” Explain what you think he means by this statement; then debate its philosophical merits. Do you agree or disagree with him? Support your opinion with examples from historical and personal experience. For example, how does the above statement compare with the “just say no” catchphrase from the war against drugs?

Catch-22 Topic #3: Satire

RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING: Select a scene from the novel and analyze the impact of Heller’s choice of a satiric writing style. Explain Heller's purpose for utilizing satire in the scene. How does he achieve a satirical outcome (think about the literary devices at work in the scene: imagery, diction, symbolism, characterization? Would the scene/book have been as effective if it had been written in a more serious manner? How might readers’ responses to the scene/novel have been different? Would the scene/book have the same meaning if the style were different?

Topic #4: Theme

PLEASE RESPOND: A theme is a reoccurring idea or subject that appears in a novel. In a complex story, such as Catch-22, many themes exist, and there is room for many interpretations about them. Embrace the ambiguity. Explore a major theme from the novel and support your interpretation with evidence from throughout the text.

When you analyze a theme from a novel please consider two things “what” and “how.” The “what” refers your interpretation of a theme, or theme statement, while the “how” relates to the literary devices used to support your interpretation. Literary devices are the technical aspect of literature. Here are a few terms to consider when you discuss a theme: characterization, satire, symbols, tone, imagery, diction…. You will want to include references and examples of literary devices as part of the evidence to support your interpretation of a theme.

Topic #5: Most Powerful Scene/Passage

What do you consider to be the most emotionally effective scene or passage in the novel? What techniques does Heller use to create this emotional response? What is the the author's purpose in doing so? Support your response with evidence from throughout the text.

Topic #6: Public Institutions

Catch-22 is strongly critical of many societal institutions, including medicine, business, religion, government, and the military. Are Heller’s criticisms still valid? How do your experiences with large societal institutions—such as the public school system, your church, your community—compare with those in Catch-22? Support your response with relevant and insightful details.

Topic #7: The Ending

Do you consider the ending of Catch-22 a happy or sad one? How might it be construed as a triumph or a defeat for Yossarian? Is it the only way out of the mad system of Catch-22?

Topic #8: Your Final Thoughts

This is an open forum for you to discuss any final thoughts about the novel. Please keep your discussion directed to the text. Enjoy!