Chapter 2: Clevinger

In Chapter 2 of Catch-22, Yossarian leaves the hospital and is struck by the absurdity of the war. He recalls a conversation with Clevinger, in which Clevinger argued that no one was trying to kill Yossarian personally, but Yossarian disagreed, feeling that everyone was trying to kill him. Yossarian is still suspicious of others after leaving the hospital, and has a meal in Milo's mess hall. He then talks to Doc Daneeka, who tells him that Colonel Cathcart has raised the number of required missions before a soldier can be discharged from 45 to 50. Yossarian is angry about this, as he had already flown 44 missions at the time of the change.