Effects of Low Morale in Joseph Heller's Catch-22
“Morale was deteriorating and it was all Yossarian's fault. The country was in peril; he was jeopardizing his traditional rights of freedom and independence by daring to exercise them.”
In Joseph Heller’s Catch-22, the presence of the effects of low morale to soldiers is evident in most of the characters especially in the story’s protagonist, Yossarian. Being an anti-hero type of protagonist, Yossarian’s character strongly reveals the possible effects of low morale in soldiers. In the opening of the story, It is already clear that Yossarian displays the characteristic of an anti-hero by staying in the hospital due to his cowardice. An analysis of the presence of low morale in this novel furthers the understanding of the characters and overall story.
Cowardice
Lastly, Yossarian’s anti-hero character as mentioned earlier, furthers the notion that he doesn’t have the attitude that an ideal soldier should have. More specifically, his cowardice prevents him from being an effective and productive member of his military unit. There are various parts in the story that supports the idea that Yossarian is indeed belongs to the category of an anti-hero. Firstly, He tries to escape from his mission to Avignon by going back to their base instead of bombing their target. Furthermore, he also moves the bombline in their map just so he doesn't have to fly another mission. Ultimately, he tries to escape their base in hopes that he will not be found and punished for his crimes. It is evident that he doesn't have the courage that a soldier should have to perform efficiently. |
Yossarian escapes the military base. |
Yossarian refuses to wear his uniform. |
Psychological Disorder
The story’s overall theme of insanity furthers the notion that the characters possess low morale. By focusing on this theme, one can observe the psychiatric disorders of the characters which results to their inefficiency. Although the majority of characters shows some sort of mental disorders, Yossarian among others shows significant sign of psychological instability. He exhibits symptoms of paranoia when he tries to convince Clevinger that everyone is trying to kill him. Although there are some truth to it, it is still an overgeneralization and leads him to develop mental stress and anxiety. Another example of his crazy act is when he refuse to wear his military uniform. This is mainly due to the mental stress brought by him witnessing Snowden's death. This furthers the idea that his mental health is damaged due to the horrors of war that he witnessed. |
Malingering and Desertion
Moreover, one can assume that these cases of mental instability displayed by Yossarian also supports the notion of his malingering. A concrete example is when Yossarian stays in the hospital for jaundice when in reality “ the pain in his liver had gone away, but [he] didn't say anything”. He also tries to fake his insanity in some cases just so he could convince Doc Daneeka that he is no longer suitable or mentally healthy to continue serving in the military.
Moreover, one can assume that these cases of mental instability displayed by Yossarian also supports the notion of his malingering. A concrete example is when Yossarian stays in the hospital for jaundice when in reality “ the pain in his liver had gone away, but [he] didn't say anything”. He also tries to fake his insanity in some cases just so he could convince Doc Daneeka that he is no longer suitable or mentally healthy to continue serving in the military.