In Joanna Russ's "On Strike Against God," a striking exchange takes place between the narrator and a male character who questions the experience of being a woman intellectual. His curiosity is seemingly patronizing, portraying a lack of understanding regarding women's complexities and struggles. The narrator's response is one of immediate violence, symbolizing the deep frustration and rage that often accompany the societal expectations placed on women.

This dramatic moment encapsulates the challenges faced by women who navigate intellectual spaces dominated by male perspectives. The narrator's lethal reaction serves as a metaphor for the harsh reality of women's struggles for recognition and respect, ultimately challenging the reader to reflect on gender dynamics and the sometimes desperate measures that arise from systemic oppression.