Name ______________________

Period _____________________

Catch-22: Timeline of Events

As a part of our exploration of World War II Literature, we will be reading Joseph Heller’s famous satirical
novel, Catch-22. Undoubtedly, the most confusing stylistic liberty Heller adopts rests in the novel’s
fragmented and unchronological telling of events. Although each chapter does not follow a strict sequence,
Heller does embed clues for the reader to detect the relative date of certain key events; these can be found
whenever the number of missions required for soldier discharge is mentioned.

Part A: Recording Events—Directions: As we read the novel, be attentive to each time the number of
missions required for soldier discharge is mentioned. Upon recognition of these clues, record the event (and its
significance) under the appropriate “number of missions” box. Be diligent in your responses and keep this chart
accessible; it will mitigate any confusion that arises from the novel’s fragmented chronology and assist you in
the writing of your final paper.

Number of Timeline: Chapters and Key Events

Missions

25

30
35

40

45

50
55

60

65

70
 80

Part B Conclusion and Reflection—Directions: Once we have finished the novel and this timeline is
complete, reflect on your experience reading Catch-22. Then, consider the following questions in two-three
well developed paragraphs (note: your analysis may be used or amended as support for your final paper, so be
sure that you are thorough). Did you like the nonlinear/disjointed narrative form of the novel? Was it
confusing? What effect does the nonlinear telling events produce on the reading experience? What do you think
was the author’s purpose?

Scoring Guide: Because we are completing this assignment throughout the course of reading the novel, it will
take you about three weeks to complete. As such, this assignment is worth 100 points:

“Number of Missions” Boxes: 55 points (5 points per “number of missions” box) Each box is counted as
either “complete” or “incomplete” (i.e., you can only earn a “5” or ‘0” on each box). In order to be complete,
each box must include a detail of the significant events associated with the number of missions and the chapter
number(s) where each event is narrated.

Note that some “number of missions” boxes will have more significant events to record than others; as we read
the novel as a class, we will have discussions that ensure you have a firm understanding of which events belong
in which box.

Reflective Analysis (40 Points) Your reflective analysis will be graded by this rubric scale:

10 7 5 0

Reflection Includes thorough Includes reflection Reflection of Does not include a

reflection of the of nonlinear the nonlinear narrative reflection of
nonlinear narrative narrative and the is too brief nonlinear narrative
and answers all of answers 2/4 of the and/or does not
the prompt questions prompt questions answer any of the
prompt questions

Analysis Provides thorough Analysis of the Analysis of Does not include an

 analysis of the nonlinear narrative nonlinear narrative analysis of the
nonlinear narrative could be expanded is too brief nonlinear narrative

Argument Reflection and Reflection and An attempt was Does not include a
analysis of the analysis of the made to connect connection between
nonlinear narrative nonlinear narrative reflection and reflection and
provides a clear is unclear in some analysis of the analysis of the
argument places nonlinear narrative, nonlinear narrative
but the argument is
completely unclear

Spelling/Grammar There are little to no 1/4 of the response 1/2 of the response 3/4 of the response
errors in spelling and contains errors in contains errors in contains errors in
grammar. spelling and spelling and spelling and
grammar. grammar. grammar

On Time Completion (5 Points) You will earn 5 points for turning this assignment in on time.

Teacher’s Note: The “Catch-22 Graphic Organizer” assignment will serve beneficial within the “Introduction
of World War II” unit plan as a tool for students to utilize during the reading of the unit's largest work,
Catch-22. As explored in the directions of this assignment, the novel’s fragmented narrative often makes it
confusing to readers. In having a clear and designated place to record key events of the story, students will read
the novel with much stronger comprehension. Additionally, “Part A” of this assignment provides students a
place of reference for important events that will assist them in seeking textual evidence for the final (literary
analysis) paper. “Part B” of this assignment focuses on higher order thinking as it facilitates student analysis of
the purpose and effect of the fragmented narrative. Through developing a strongly supported reflection, not only
will students explore the writing style in terms of impact and historical context, but they will also have
produced an analysis that can be amended as support for their formal paper.