Chapter 5 "Chief White Halfoat" Summary

Yossarian visits Doc Daneeka and his despised tentmate, Chief White Halfoat. Doc tells Yossarian about his practice back home, but departs once Chief returns. Chief relates to Yossarian the tale of how his family's penchant for finding oil results in numerous oil companies following his family around, repeatedly buying up whatever land they try to settle. Once again, Yossarian asks Doc Daneeka to ground him, this time confessing to being "crazy." Doc refuses, citing that Catch-22 forbids it. By asking to be grounded, Yossarian demonstrates that he is concerned for his own well being, and thus "proves" his own sanity. Yossarian continues to fly combat missions with Aarfy, McWatt and Dobbs, where his cowardice serves him well in performing skillful evasive actions.

Chapter 5 "Chief White Halfoat" Analysis

The concept of Catch-22 is a recurring theme...