Catch-22 EssayAt what point do an antihero's qualities become heroic? Catch-22 by Joseph Heller follows the experiences of the protagonist and well-known antihero Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier of the 256th Squadron of the Air Force stationed on the island of Pianosa during World War II. Often thwarted by the immorality and illogicality of war and military bureaucracy and haunted by the deaths of the men in his squadron, Yossarian is overcome by paranoia that "they are trying to kill him" (26), and constantly avoids his militants. duties in an attempt to stay alive. Because of his seemingly overriding concern with self-preservation, avoidance of responsibility, and cowardice, Yossarian is commonly perceived as an antihero. However, the goodness of his character is revealed through his moral consideration of others, the way his peers admire him, and his reactions to the corruption he discovers in the military system. Therefore, although Yossarian does not possess the typical characteristics of a traditional hero, his innate concern for the well-being of others and acts of defiance ultimately demonstrate his heroism. Yossarian's refusal to fly an ever-increasing number of missions and his reputation with the other men in his squadron show the heroic qualities of his actions. At first, his avoidance of combat seems merely self-centered, as war is not something he believes in. When Yossarian goes through his traumatic experience trying to save Snowden in which he realizes that “man is matter” (450), his motivations broaden. as he realizes how fragile life is. Not only does he practice self-preservation by refusing to fly, which in itself can be seen as a heroic act in a situation where life is so undervalued, but he also refuses to kill and risk the lives of... half of paper ...pist, the honorable motives behind his escape are what make the act so heroic. Before taking off, Danby asks Yossarian how he feels, to which he replies, “good. No, I'm very scared,” and Danby replies, “that's good…it proves you're still alive” (463). This reminder brings us back to the point of Snowden's message: “man was matter… The spirit is gone, man is rubbish” (450). Still alive, still full of spirit and courage, Yossarian takes the leap to protect his honor and that of his fellow men, which truly marks his heroism. Despite his escapist characteristics, Yossarian's actions on the illogical he encounters in the novel highlight his heroic qualities, as well as his concern for the well-being of others during his experiences. Yossarian demonstrates his worth as a hero through his logic, compassion, and, ultimately, even self-sacrifice for the sake of justice..