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Line 12: − − The term "Catch-22" has entered popular language to mean an unwinnable situation. More specifically, a catch-22 is a situation in which a desirable outcome has two conditions precedent, one of which rules out the other, so that the desirable outcome can never be attained. A catch-22 is thus similar, but not identical, to a [[deadlock]], in which two or more events are conditions precedent to one another. A catch-22 also loosely resembles a [[Morton's fork]], which is also an unwinnable situation, although the two situations are unwinnable for different reasons. Line 24:
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moved the use as an expression to its own section; expanded
The novel is notable for its staggered chronology, and the fact that each chapter is named after and follows one of the large cast of characters. Heller uses the staggered chronology to slowly reveal more background to Yossarian's antics which, while seeming silly or insane at first, end up evoking horror.
The novel is notable for its staggered chronology, and the fact that each chapter is named after and follows one of the large cast of characters. Heller uses the staggered chronology to slowly reveal more background to Yossarian's antics which, while seeming silly or insane at first, end up evoking horror.
==Summary==
==Summary==
''Catch-22'' was made into a film of the same name, which was released in 1970.
''Catch-22'' was made into a film of the same name, which was released in 1970.
==As an expression==
The term "Catch-22" has entered popular language to mean an unwinnable situation. More specifically, a catch-22 is a situation in which a desirable outcome has two conditions precedent, one of which rules out the other, so that the desirable outcome can never be attained. A catch-22 is thus similar, but not identical, to a [[deadlock]], in which two or more events are conditions precedent to one another. A catch-22 also loosely resembles a [[Morton's fork]], which is also an unwinnable situation, although the two situations are unwinnable for different reasons.
The differences are as follows:
*Catch-22:
**If and only if ''P'' and ''Q,'' then ''R'' (''R'' being the desired outcome).
**If ''P,'' then not ''Q.''
**Therefore, not ''R.''
*Deadlock:
**If not ''P'' previously, then not ''Q.''
**If not ''Q'' previously, then not ''P.''
**Therefore, neither ''P'' nor ''Q.''
*Morton's fork:
**If ''P,'' then ''Q'' (''Q'' being an undesirable outcome).
**If not ''P,'' then ([[stolen concept|somehow]]) also ''Q.''
**Therefore, ''Q.''
==References==
==References==
*Heller, Joseph. ''Catch-22''. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1961.
*Heller, Joseph. ''Catch-22''. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1961.