Catch-22 (Video)

A major minderbinder of a novel.

  • Course Length: 1 week
  • Course Type: Short Course
  • Category:
    • English
    • Humanities
    • Literature
    • Video
    • High School

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Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is all about the twisted logic of a totally illogical thing: war. 

With a plot that'll make you dizzy, this Great American Novel takes you on a challenging mission. Did Milo just steal half of a bed sheet to fund his underground syndicate? Why did a cat just murder Hungry Joe? What's a catch-22? 

We've done the heavy lifting to cut through the crazy with eight short videos. Confusion is inevitable, but no man, woman, or murderous cat will be left behind.

  • You'll take a quick (but effective) tour of duty through one of the most influential war novels of all time.
  • You'll pick up key historical context and identify how the novel influenced anti-war protesters.
  • You'll learn the precise definition of "catch-22," as well as how paradox works as a literary device.
  • You'll figure out why Joseph Heller is so obsessed with doubles and twins.
  • You'll peek into the brains of his characters to figure out who's crazy, and who's secretly rational.
  • You'll sort through all of the liars, deceivers, and thieves—and determine what motivates each one.
  • You'll understand Heller's low opinions of capitalism, administrative red tape, and war.
  • You'll be able to recognize how the structure of the book helps build suspense.

Here's a sneak peek at a video from the course. BYOP (bring your own popcorn).


Unit Breakdown

1 Catch-22 (Video) - Catch-22

We're honor-bound to get you through this seven-lesson literary boot camp:

  • Back in the Day
  • Highly Illogical
  • Get Outta Your Mind
  • Don't Fear the Reaper
  • Seeing Double
  • It's All About the Benjamins
  • I'd Lie For You (And That's the Truth)