|
|
|
|
|
|
Note that this chapter begins, once again, with a discussion of craziness and sanity, this time in the context of amazement at one who is apparently sane and yet can tolerate the war. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relevant to this discussion is the novel's first overture into Milo's operation. Here we find the first details, however scant and puzzling, of Milo's deals. These deals are based on the principle of "self" or "me first," although they are cloaked with the motto, "everyone has a share" (possibly a reference to President Roosevelt's insistence about our National Debt, "we owe it to ourselves"). It is supposedly this sharing which makes Milo's operations a syndicate, but it is really the double dealing made possible by the double talk which makes the syndicate possible. The chapter ends, incidentally, with a hint as to another of Milo's deals, replete with enigma and contradiction. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imbedded in this episode is the reference to Milo's eyesight, a reference which parallels that of the flies in Appleby's eyes. In this case, however, Milo sees "more things than most people," but "none of them too distinctly." What we have, in other words, is a clash between Milo's enterprising aggressiveness and Yossarian's evasiveness. . . thus they are mutually unable to understand one another. Milo's own "game" conflicts with Yossarian's game, in that Milo wants to provide the best and most healthy food available and Yossarian's game is to eat only those foods which will send him back to the hospital. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevertheless, Milo is shrewd. Although his failure to see "too distinctly" discredits him as the absolute authority, Milo knows the bases of human character with which he must deal. Therefore, it is important to note Milo's immediate trust of Yossarian and the basis for that trust. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It might be well to notice, too, the conjunction of the mention of the black market – and Milo's interest in that – and of Milo's rigid principles, principles conveniently adopted, to be sure, but held with something very similar to moral conviction. In other words, Milo rationalizes so effectively that he is able to convince at least himself – and often others – that his way is the right way, the "socially responsible" way. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In this chapter, Clevinger's hearing bears much resemblance to the rationale for Milo's operations, both existing as they do on the basis of misuse of the meaning of words. The trial revolves around the theory that being accused means there must be some guilt. This trial culminates, however, in the serious question, "What is justice?," the Socratic question underlying both law and philosophy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here the confusions are multiplied because, once again, they are |
|
|
|
|