The quote from Thomas Pynchon's "Vineland" highlights the escalating nature of conflict and violence. It suggests that when one party, represented by the individual picking up a rifle, engages in armed confrontation, the opposing side feels compelled to respond with greater force, such as a machine gun. This reaction establishes a cycle where each side continuously feels the need to escalate their weapons or tactics in order to gain an advantage.

This pattern of escalation illustrates the futility of violent confrontations, where initial actions lead to increasingly aggressive responses. Pynchon seems to comment on how this cycle not only perpetuates conflict but also highlights the irrationality of such arms races. The metaphor serves as a broader commentary on societal and governmental approaches to violence, suggesting that more power often leads to an overwhelming response rather than a resolution.