In the end, Yossarian actually defies the laws of military life and escapes. It is here that the theme of reality plays a role, because although Catch-22 may not exist in physical reality, it does in the minds of all the characters, making it a real part of their lives. Guilt is a visible theme in Heller's novel, but the reader finds that guilt is not always needed. For example, Yossarian could not have helped Snowden in his hour of need, but he felt guilty because he did not save his life. It is only human nature to feel guilt when one takes the blame for an incident, even if it was not his fault.
Human emotion is a strong feeling that can plague one person for years after an incident.
Setting The novel takes place during World War Two in an American army camp on the island of Pianosa as well as in Rome. The main character is Yossarian, who suffers from a severe fear of death. He and his comrades are in the Air Force. Yossarian's main antagonist is Colonel Cathcart, whose goal in life is to become a general. Yossarian wants to stop flying missions so he does not get killed, yet Cathcart's aim is to continue raising the number of required missions in order to impress his superiors.