In J.D. Robb's "The In Death Collection: Books 30-32," the protagonist reflects on a character who places his self-esteem largely in the context of his masculinity, symbolized by his penis. This comparison suggests a deep-seated insecurity and the troubling notion that he views his worth through a distorted lens of male power and dominance.

The humor in the protagonist's response highlights the absurdity of this self-perception, as she imagines the man as a comically exaggerated figure, decked out in flashy accessories and armed. This moment serves to critique the exaggerated masculinity that some men adopt, ultimately revealing how such attitudes can be both reductive and ridiculous.