Theme Of Self-Interest In Catch-22

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The character trait most prominently portrayed by the main character throughout Catch-22 is self-interest and justifiably so, it is this instinct that helps to preserve your own life. Additionally, we see the transformation of Yossarian from purely self-interested individual to a time where his ethics will take a lead role. Yossarian exemplifies self-interest by the contentedness he shows laying around the hospital, he doesn’t fly missions, he has breakfast brought to him in bed, aside from having to censor a few letters he has his days free. While in the hospital he stays safe and he doesn’t risk anyone else’s life either. When Yossarian witnesses the destruction of Rome, the neglected children and abused women in chapters 38-42 the self-interest