In Joyce Carol Oates' novel "The Falls," a character grapples with profound questions about justice and personal suffering. She feels a deep sense of injustice regarding her circumstances and is fervently seeking answers from God, asking why she deserves her fate. This moment of inquiry illustrates her emotional turmoil and desire for understanding in the face of pain.

Despite her desperate questioning, God remains silent, leaving her in a state of unresolved distress. This lack of response emphasizes the theme of existential doubt and the struggle individuals face when confronting their suffering. The character's yearning for clarity reflects a universal human experience of seeking meaning in moments of hardship.