In "The Year of the Flood" by Margaret Atwood, a character discusses strategies for dealing with adversarial situations. He suggests that one must "kill the king," a metaphor derived from chess, to gain control. This statement prompts a reflection on contemporary power structures, as the responder points out that traditional monarchs no longer exist.

The character clarifies that he refers to eliminating the core of power, which, in today's context, isn't represented by a single individual but rather by complex technological networks. This highlights the shift in how influence and authority are exercised in modern society.