In Norman Mailer's "The Castle in the Forest," the author suggests that rural people often engage in physically demanding work without much mental stimulation. As a result, they may find themselves stuck in monotonous routines, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction in their lives. This lack of engagement encourages them to dwell on past grievances and injustices they have experienced.

Mailer emphasizes that the physical strength of these individuals is overshadowed by their mental fatigue, stemming from boredom and a repetitive existence. This cycle of discontent drives them to reflect on the wrongs they've suffered, indicating that their limited opportunities for intellectual or emotional exploration contribute significantly to their unhappiness.