Original artwork, not a still
Catch-22 • 1961
“Well, maybe it is true,” Clevinger conceded unwillingly in a subdued tone. “Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant conditions if it’s to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?” “I do,” Dunbar told him. “Why?” Clevinger asked. “What else is there?””
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Clevinger questions whether a life made to feel long through unpleasantness is desirable. Dunbar still wants it and asks what alternative there is. Their exchange distinguishes duration from enjoyment; the duplicated closing punctuation remains.
Context reviewed
