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Irony
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of Catch-22 is one of its most notable qualities: by describing the war as entirely illogical, Heller creates feelings of confusion, cynicism, and despair in the reader. Heller contradicts and satirizes the overwhelming messaging from mass media and the government during the war, which prescribed patriotism and confidence in the war effort. Heller, in contrast, creates a mood of doubt and fear, because the officers carrying out the war are so illogical, unintelligent, and evil.
The reader, intentionally by Heller, is left bored by much of the early part of the book. Not much happens, as Yossarian intentionally avoids the war in the hospital, and the reader does not see any direct military action, only hearing about it indirectly. The reader is cushioned from any real gunfire or bombing, so the predominant mood is ennui and perhaps frustration at the inaction of the company. In the later portions of the book readers are meant to be disgusted by war, and the violence, backstabbing, and injustice that become more explicit. Later portions of the book often have more specifically described amoral acts, including Milo's thieving schemes, the sexual violence of many of the soldiers while in Rome, and the officers' increasing targeting of Yossarian for his insurrections. These feelings of disgust later in the book are amplified by Catch-22. The reader is not only horrified by the later events of the novel, but frustrated by the fact that they are supported by a deeply illogical system.
