|
|
|
|
|
|
the brass. They do so, first, through a reversal of the language games we have seen ("Your toes are dirty") and second, through forcefulness; and finally through Yossarian's attempt to lie, an attempt which, like the other two factors, aims at the psychology of demoralized men. The lie fails, at least with the general, and this indicates that, while the squad has won a battle, the war is yet to be fought. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Therefore, the chapter turns immediately to Nately and his whore. Despite all of his previous, calculated efforts, Nately finally "wins her heart" by something as simple as "a good night's sleep." But Nately is still playing the "Ivy league" role, while his girl is still habituated to her profession. In other words, the heroic stand has had its effect: love. But, all has not ended "happily ever after." Nately and his whore would still need a great change in character before this love could be realized. It is, though, a beginning: she really misses Nately (in contrast to the Yossarian we have just seen buying gifts for Nurse Duckett while trying to find Lucianna). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The opening descriptions of the Thanksgiving party show decadence, a la ancient Rome, as the end result of, on the one hand, the rampant hedonism of these men and, on the other hand, the desperation of men trying to escape their circumstances with some kind of sanity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This latter aspect is emphasized by Yossarian's own outraged attack on the machine gun nest and, in the course of things, on Nately. And, note, that Yossarian's own reaction to this is less remorseful than before. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The party scene sets the stage for the return to the hospital, and by now it has become an almost universal refuge. We even find the chaplain there in somewhat ambiguous circumstances. He "had sinned, and it was good." Nevertheless, the narrator is quite candid in saying that this "sin" was like all others, a result of "protective rationalization," or more sternly, a result of having "no character." This episode is essential to the chaplain's growth in the same way as Yossarian's brutal attack on McWatt was essential. The chaplain has always regarded ''sin'' as being "out there'' and thus felt helpless in the face of it. Before he can come to a sense of mastery, he must first see sin as being "in here," a part of him. And for that the chaplain must sin, and so he does. It is the beginning of the chaplain's attempt to come to terms with reality. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
But the hospital scene is itself just the means to another issue. This issue begins with the return of "the soldier in white." This time, there is a notable speculation that "There's no one inside," a testimony false on its factual level—Lt. Schmulker is "inside"—but carrying thematic overtones concerning what, if anything, exists as far as the inner man is concerned. The idea, however, catches on and prepares the way for the real subject: |
|
|
|
|