Catch-22

What is the analysis for the book Catch 22, Chapter 24?

What is the analysis for the book Catch 22, Chapter 24?

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In Chapter 24, Milo shows his true colors. His loyalty lay neither with his country nor to the members of his supposed syndicate, but to his own interests alone, strongly invoking both the greed, ambition and bureaucracy themes. He laments "I just can't sit here and watch while those mess halls let my syndicate die" (270). Milo's use of the word "my" indicates that he sees the syndicate, not as a cooperation of persons to run a business, but rather as his own personal enterprise. What is good for the syndicate is good for Milo, because Milo is the syndicate. Milo contributes to the dehumanization theme by blaming the mess halls for his own failure, simply because the men are unwilling to consume against their better interest. In light of this, Milo's bombing run could be interpreted as an act of vengeance. Regardless of his motivation, Milo's heartless betrayal works against the compassion theme.

In truth, it is Milo's diversification away from foodstuffs which spells his undoing. As a mess officer, food is his domain. Since he knows nothing of cotton, he attempts to transform the product into a food item. The candy coated cotton, however, is symbolic of Milo himself, something which seems enticing on the outside, but will ultimately prove bad for your health.

The syndicate, as depicted here, is a quasi-government which is not held responsible by the people of which it is comprised. Worse, the syndicate can't be held accountable by any authority, national or otherwise. It is an autonomous, mercenary entity concerned only with self-gain. When one considers that this syndicate essentially amounts to only Milo himself, it's easy to see how an unfettered corporatist agenda can place a disproportionate amount of power and authority into the hands of single individuals.

Source(s)

Catch 22, BookRags