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Joseph Heller Trivia

Joseph Heller Trivia Quizzes

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Although he is remembered primarily for the novel "Catch-22", whose title has entered everyday usage in reference to a situation from which one cannot escape because of paradoxical rules in action, Heller wrote a number of other satirical books and plays, including "Closing Time", which revisited some of the characters from "Catch-22" fifty years on.
9 Joseph Heller quizzes and 100 Joseph Heller trivia questions.
1.
  A Who's Who of 'Catch-22'   best quiz  
Collection Quiz
 10 Qns
Here's a chance to revisit some of the characters created by Joseph Heller to illustrate the absurdity of the world in which they found themselves. Can you locate them lurking in this list?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Dec 22 25
Recommended for grades: 10,11,12
Very Easy
looney_tunes editor
Dec 22 25
235 plays
2.
  A "Catch-22" Quiz    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
This is a pretty long quiz on the book "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller. I feel this is the best book I have ever read. Be aware that there are some spoilers in this quiz.
Average, 20 Qns, Teej417, Dec 27 05
Average
Teej417
1241 plays
3.
  "Catch 22" The Novel   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A short quiz on this marvellous satire on the futility of war.
Average, 10 Qns, ozzz2002, Dec 08 06
Average
ozzz2002 gold member
2404 plays
4.
  Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" is one of my all time favorite novels. (I read it instead of the history text I was supposed to be reading in grade 10). This quiz concerns the pompous, wheedling and scheming Squadron Commander, Colonel Cathcart.
Average, 10 Qns, ara_6007, Aug 11 07
Average
ara_6007
404 plays
5.
  Catch-22   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"There was just one catch...Catch-22." One of the greatest insanity of war novels ever, Joseph Heller's 1961 book gave us a new phrase for an unwinnable situation. How well do you know this book? Contains spoilers.
Tough, 10 Qns, czolgolz, Dec 28 05
Tough
czolgolz
911 plays
6.
  "Catch-22", Part 2: Milo   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Joseph Heller's modern classic "Catch-22" is a novel so rich with bizarre characters that it boggles the mind. Milo is among the zaniest of the lot. Hope you enjoy Part 2: Milo.
Average, 10 Qns, Ara_6007, Sep 07 10
Average
Ara_6007
490 plays
7.
  What's The Catch?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" is a masterpiece of absurdist literature; as such, it's rife with some logical and ethical inconsistencies. Can you make sense of this seminal satire?
Average, 10 Qns, OddballJunior, Mar 06 24
Recommended for grades: 10,11,12
Average
OddballJunior
Mar 06 24
157 plays
8.
  'Catch 22' - the satire    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's a brief quiz devoted to one of the greatest satirical books ever written.
Average, 10 Qns, Toddzilla, Feb 20 14
Average
Toddzilla
1483 plays
9.
  'Catch 22' Quotations    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Joseph Heller has been widely acclaimed for his use of clever and unusual dialogue in 'Catch 22'. How familiar are you with the dialogue of Heller's characters?
Tough, 10 Qns, princessrae, Dec 18 05
Tough
princessrae
659 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Who warns Yossarian that: 'they're going to disappear Dunbar'?

From Quiz "'Catch 22' Quotations"




Related Topics
  American Literature [Literature] (57 quizzes)

  Contemporary Literature and Fiction [Literature] (23 quizzes)

  Humor and Satire [Literature] (20 quizzes)


Joseph Heller Trivia Questions
1. Catch-22 is set on an American airbase on an island off the coast of Italy. While the island is not fictional, it is too small to have actually housed an air base. What's the island called?

From Quiz What's The Catch?

Answer: Pianosa

In real life, Pianosa houses little besides a prison. It was used as a penal colony in the 19th and 20th centuries and during WWII, it was occupied by Germany. The island was evacuated in 1998 when the Italian government closed the penitentiary.

2. By the end of the book, Milo has gone from humble mess officer, to head of an air borne 'empire' he calls "M & M Enterprises". Do you remember what "M" and "M" stand for and why he chose the name?

From Quiz "Catch-22", Part 2: Milo

Answer: Milo and Minderbinder equals Milo's name, Milo Minderbinder. Milo chose this name so that his business competition wouldn't think his operation was a one man act.

I find this to be a great example of Milo's cleverness. The full title of Milo's syndicate was, "M & M Enterprises, Fine Fruits And Produce".

3. How Did Colonel Cathcart organize his world in "Catch-22"?

From Quiz Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart

Answer: "Black Eyes!" and "Feathers in My Cap!"

In measuring progress in his personal war goal to become a general, Colonel Cathcart uses this organizational method. However, examples of the Colonel's self-absorbed agenda may be found throughout Heller's masterpiece.

4. Who said: 'They're shooting at everyone... They're trying to kill everyone."?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' Quotations

Answer: Clevinger

Clevinger finds it difficult to understand Yossarian's claim that just because the enemy planes are shooting at everyone doesn't mean they aren't trying to kill him.

5. This crazy character has a craving for naked women and has disturbing nightmares on nights he is not scheduled to fly an attack. Which character is it?

From Quiz A "Catch-22" Quiz

Answer: Hungry Joe

The "Hungry" part of Joe's name could either mean his need for more missions or his love for sex. He symbolizes just how backwards and crazy war can make a man by making him crave more of the thing he hates (more missions).

6. Who spilled his secret to Yossarian?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' - the satire

Answer: Snowden

Snowden's secret was finally revealed near the end of the novel - it was his organs after they had been blasted out by the Flak. This was a strong representation of the horror of war and the secret being what no one tells you.

7. In the original pressings of the novel, the Chaplain is named R.O. Shipman; when his name was changed in the 1970 film adaptation the change was kept in subsequent American editions. What name is the Chaplain given in these pressings of the novel?

From Quiz What's The Catch?

Answer: A.T. Tappman

His name was changed such that the simple act of introducing himself to others would be an embarrassing ordeal, playing greatly into his nervous and sensitive personality. The name "Shipman" is maintained in British pressings.

8. Milo was the only man in the squadron brave enough to directly approach and question Major __________de Coverley. What did Milo shield himself with as he approached Major __________de Coverley while the Major was pitching horseshoes?

From Quiz "Catch-22", Part 2: Milo

Answer: An egg.

Milo was trying to see if Major __________de Coverley was interested in fresh eggs for himself and the squadron's men. The major confesses a weakness for fresh eggs, so a deal is struck. The major provides Milo with an airplane once a week to fly to Malta where the eggs are. It is the first "major" deal Milo makes, and the birth of his syndicate.

9. This question concerns Colonel Cathcart's vain attempts to project a 'manly' image in his quest for generalship. What article does he brandish to impress his superiors?

From Quiz Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart

Answer: an ornate cigarette holder

Colonel Cathcart was universally conflicted about all his attempts to impress his superiors, including using his cigarette holder. He vacillated between wanting to throw the holder away if he thought it wasn't helping his image, to brandishing it as a masculine and sophisticated addition...one certain to be a feather in his cap!

10. In Chapter 3 which character's pep talk begins: 'You're American officers. The officers of no other army in the world can make that statement. Think about it.'

From Quiz 'Catch 22' Quotations

Answer: Colonel Cargill

This type of satirical humour directed at the ineptitute of officers is frequently used in 'Catch 22'.

11. This guy likes to stay alive by making time move as slow as possible. He is also one of Yossarian's best friends. Which character is this?

From Quiz A "Catch-22" Quiz

Answer: Dunbar

Dunbar spends a lot of his free time with Yossarian in the hospital. He is later "disappeared" by the army for asking too many questions.

12. Which character buys eggs in Malta for 7 cents a piece and sells them at a profit to the mess halls for 5 cents?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' - the satire

Answer: Milo Minderbinder

Milo represents capitalistic greed. He even bombs his own men because he can make a profit.

13. Catch-22 had a different working title that had to be changed because of another book that was published shortly beforehand. What was the book?

From Quiz "Catch 22" The Novel

Answer: Mila 18

Leon Uris released 'Mila 18', a story of the Holocaust, some months before 'Catch 18'. The number was changed to avoid confusion.

14. Who would eventually become one of the Colonel's biggest "Black Eyes"?

From Quiz Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart

Answer: Yossarian (for several reasons)

In a fearful review of his progress to generalship, Colonel Cathcart discovers that the name Yossarian keeps popping up whenever he recalls some trouble in the squadron. Yossarian was the lead bombardier who took his flight around twice over the target at Ferrara, and another plane and crew were lost. Yossarian also stood in line naked to receive a medal from General Dreedle. Yossarian was also trying to get Doc Daneeka to ground him from flying further missions!

15. Which character is Doc Daneeka talking to when he says: 'Sure there's a catch...Catch 22. Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn't really crazy.'?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' Quotations

Answer: Yossarian

The concept of 'Catch 22' is firmly rooted in our vocabulary, and frequently appears in stories, songs, speeches and dictionaries, despite being a fictional clause.

16. Whose goal is it to escape catch-22 and spends as much time as possible in the hospital?

From Quiz A "Catch-22" Quiz

Answer: Yossarian

Yossarian is the main character in the novel and hates the war he is forced to fight in.

17. Which character was detested because of his resemblance to Henry Fonda?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' - the satire

Answer: Major Major Major

Major Major had never made a friend because he was shy and looked like Henry Fonda - Captain Black even suggested he was Henry Fonda but was too scared to admit it.

18. What island was the squadron based on?

From Quiz "Catch 22" The Novel

Answer: Pianosa

At an unspecified location, somewhere near Italy. Pianosa is an actual Italian island, but the Heller version of the island is much larger than the real one.

19. Yossarian meets an Italian woman named Luciana who will not marry him because she thinks he is crazy for wanting to marry her. When she writes down her address for Yossarian, what does she correctly guess that he will do with it?

From Quiz What's The Catch?

Answer: Tear it up and throw it away

Yossarian spends much of the rest of the novel trying to find Luciana, to no avail. During the time that they're together, Hungry Joe tries to break into Yossarian's room to take pictures of them.

20. Colonel Cathcart and Lt. Colonel Korn are partners in what enterprise?

From Quiz Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart

Answer: A farm in the hills above the squadron.

Initially our good Colonel is enthused about their farm in the hills, using it as an opportunity to court various Generals he is trying to impress by holding orgies there. But as the generals are unimpressed, he grows weary and bored with his farm, deciding it may be yet another "Black Eye" for him.

21. Which character's pick up line is: 'Me big photographer from Life magazine. Big picture on big heap cover.'?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' Quotations

Answer: Hungry Joe

Hungry Joe actually was a photographer for Life magazine before he joined the army.

22. Which character falls in love with a whore and constantly pays for her services, even though she does not love him back?

From Quiz A "Catch-22" Quiz

Answer: Nately

Nately's whore does eventually come to love him back, but soon after Nately is unfortunately killed during a bombing run. Nately's whore believes it is Yossarian's fault and tries to kill him.

23. Which character was a photographer with "Life" magazine before the war broke out?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' - the satire

Answer: Hungry Joe

Hungry Joe was obsessed with photographing women.

24. Who did Yossarian (the 'hero' of the book) fall in love with in the first two sentences of the book?

From Quiz "Catch 22" The Novel

Answer: The Chaplain

The first lines read.. 'It was love at first sight. The first time Yossarian saw the chaplain he fell madly in love with him.'

25. While it is theoretically in Doctor Daneeka's power to do something which would ground Yossarian, it is an act made impossible by military bureaucracy. What would Daneeka have to do?

From Quiz What's The Catch?

Answer: Declare Yossarian insane

The only ways that Yossarian can stop flying missions are if he meets the required number, is declared insane, or dies. He cannot meet the required number because Colonel Cathcart continually raises it throughout the novel, and he is understandably determined not to die - but in order to be declared insane, he would have to ask Doctor Daneeka to screen him for insanity. In doing so, he would show concern for his own well-being which, from the military's perspective, is the sure function of a sane mind, so he would be declared sane by the virtue of fearing for his sanity and safety. If he was actually insane, like McWatt, he would have no issue flying dangerous missions.

26. How did Colonel Cathcart celebrate the squadron's victory in destroying the bridge at Ferrara?

From Quiz Catch-22, Part 1: Colonel Cathcart

Answer: By raising the number of missions required to be flown before a crew could be rotated back to the states from 55 to 60.

One thing can be certain about Colonel Cathcart: he celebrates all his successes by increasing the number of missions that his men must fly before they can go home. He is convinced that having his group fly more missions than any other in the whole wing, is the biggest "Feather In His Cap" that he has.

27. Who is Yossarian talking to when he says: 'You won't marry me because I'm crazy, and you say I'm crazy because I want to marry you?'?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' Quotations

Answer: Luciana

Luciana's paradoxical claim for not marrying Yossarian is based around the idea of 'Catch 22' - an inescapable, illogical clause that Yossarian simply can't win at.

28. Who, at age 15, is the youngest pilot in the squadron and is flying Yossarian's plane to Avignon on which mission Snowden was killed?

From Quiz A "Catch-22" Quiz

Answer: Huple

During the mission, Dobbs went crazy and tried to crash the plane. Huple wrestled the controls back from him while Yossarian tried to help Snowden, who was dying in the back of the plane. Huple shares a tent with Hungry Joe and has a cat that always sleeps on Joe's face.

29. Which character was stabbed in the eye by an American rose?

From Quiz 'Catch 22' - the satire

Answer: Major ---- de Coverly

The rose was thrown by the licentious Italian old man when America celebrated the occupation of Italy. When the Germans had earlier celebrated their occupation of Italy the same old man had nearly stabbed a German officer to death with a sprig of Edelweis.

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Last Updated Jan 17 2026 5:46 AM
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