How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
The best squadron in each wing won a yellow pennant on a pole that was utterly worthless. The best squadron on the base won a red pennant on a longer pole that was worth even less, since the pole was heavier and was that much more of a nuisance to lug around all week until some other squadron won it the following Sunday. To Yossarian, the idea of pennants as prizes was absurd. No money went with them, no class privileges. Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else. (8.32)
The idea of desiring a prize that is worthless is inherently absurd. Dragging a bunch of one's men into winning this useless prize, especially when they don't care for it, makes the situation that much more ridiculous.
Quote #11
"I really can't believe it," Clevinger exclaimed to Yossarian in a voice rising and falling in protest and wonder. "It's a complete reversion to primitive superstition. They're confusing cause and effect. It makes as much sense as knocking on wood or crossing your fingers. They really believe that we wouldn't have to fly that mission tomorrow if someone would only tiptoe up to the map in the middle of the night and move the bomb line over Bologna. Can you imagine? You and I must be the only rational ones left."
In the middle of the night Yossarian knocked on wood, crossed his fingers, and tiptoed out of his tent to move the bomb line up over Bologna. (12.7-8)
As Clevinger points out, the men confuse cause and effect, believing that the effect (the bomb line moving over Bologna) would initiate the cause (the Allies actually capturing Bologna). Also, this quote shows that logic is relative. Because the men believe that the mission will be cancelled if the line is moved over Bologna, moving it over the line makes it true. Beliefs are not universal or absolute, but rather relative to the thoughts of those who believe them.
Quote #12
"Tu sei pazzo," she (Luciana) told him with a pleasant laugh.
"Why am I crazy?" he asked.
"Perchè non posso sposare."
"Why can't you get married?"
"Because I am not a virgin," she answered.
"What has that got to do with it?
"Who will marry me? No one wants a girl who is not a virgin."
"I will, I will marry you."
"Ma non posso sposarti."
"Why can't you marry me?"
"Perchè tu sei pazzo."
"Why am I crazy?"
"Perchè vuoi sposarmi."
Yossarian wrinkled his forehead with quizzical amusement. "You won't marry me because I'm crazy, and you say I'm crazy because I want to marry you? Is that right?"
"Sì." (16.61-75)
Apparently, Catch-22 is an international credo. It makes it impossible for Yossarian to marry Luciana and be considered sane at the same time.