CHAPTER 7: McWATT

Summary

Yossarian is visited by Milo Minderbinder, the new mess officer. Milo has come to find out why Daneeka has asked for Yossarian to be given all the dried fruit and fruit juices he desires. Yossarian explains that he has a liver condition and has been advised to eat fruit. Yet Yossarian does not eat the fruit sent to him. Dunbar and Aarfy to eat most of it. Nately even takes a whole load of fruit to Rome and presents it to the prostitute, who in turn trades it on the black market for costume jewelry and cheap perfume.

Milo believes Yossarian is illegally exporting fruit and wants to be his partner. Yossarian turns him down. Milo wants to form a syndicate to do business in which every man will have a share.

Notes

Minderbinder is introduced. Behind his "simple, sincere face" lies the Machiavellian mind of a man who has no moral sense. He is the enterprising American businessman in the guise of a mess officer. He believes Yossarian is making a quick buck by selling the fruit that is given to him. Yossarian is really only trying to stay sick. Milo claims to be doing business for the sake of the men but is actually lining his own pockets.

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