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Oxymorons
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 4: Doc Daneeka
Explanation and Analysis—When is Right:
One of the many paradoxical situations in the novel surrounds one of the particular features of Colonel Korn's leadership, as described in Chapter 4:
Under Colonel Korn's rule, the only people permitted to ask questions were those who never did. Soon the only people attending ["sessions" with the colonel] were those who never asked questions, and the sessions were discontinued altogether, since Clevinger, the corporal and Colonel Korn agreed that it was neither possible nor necessary to educate people who never questioned anything.
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Chapter 13: Major _____ de Coverley
Explanation and Analysis—Love, Love, Love:
In Chapter 13, Heller uses one of his classic paradoxes, this time about Yossarian's love life. The soldiers are looking for sex in Rome, but Yossarian finds something different:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Yossarian was in love with the maid in the lime-colored panties because she seemed to be the only woman left he could make love to without falling in love with.
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Chapter 18: The Soldier Who Saw Everything Twice
Explanation and Analysis—Believe In?:
While Yossarian argues about God in Chapter 18 with Lieutenant Scheisskopf's wife, she reveals her own beliefs, which take the form of a paradox. Yossarian is confused why she is so upset about his own atheist beliefs, because
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I thought you didn't believe in God."
"I don't," she sobbed, bursting violently into tears. "But the God I don't believe in is a good God, a just God, a merciful God. He's not the mean and stupid God you make him out to be."
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Chapter 40: Catch-22
Explanation and Analysis—To the States:
When Yossarian is found in Rome, having gone AWOL, Colonels Cathcart and Korn agree that he should be sent home. The way that Korn presents this news to Yossarian is another Catch-22, which Korn delivers "with a genial smile":
Unlock with LitCharts A+We're going to send you home. You really don't deserve it, you know, which is one of the reasons I don't mind doing it. Since there's nothing else we can risk doing to you at this time, we've decided to return you to the States.
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