Sex in Suburbia: Yates, 'Revolutionary Road' (1961)

Set in 1955, 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates explores the lives of Frank and April Wheeler, a couple living in the suburban Revolutionary Hill Estates in Connecticut. The novel delves into themes of adultery, abortion, failed marriages, and the emptiness of suburban consumer culture. Frank and April, who see themselves as different from their neighbors, are trapped in a life that does not align with their aspirations. The story highlights their attempts to break free from their suburban rut, particularly through April's plan to move to Paris, and the devastating consequences of their self-deception. The novel is known for its vivid and metaphorical descriptions, its critique of the American Dream, and its exploration of the isolation and communication failures within relationships.

Set in the closing months of World War II, 'Catch-22' is a satirical novel that follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy. The novel explores the absurdity and inhumanity of warfare through Yossarian's attempts to escape his flying duties, thwarted by the bureaucratic rule known as 'Catch-22'. This rule creates a paradox where a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous missions, but if he requests to be relieved of duty, he is proven sane and thus ineligible for relief. The novel is known for its nonchronological structure, circular reasoning, and its critique of military bureaucracy and the illogical nature of war.