In "The Naked and the Dead," author Norman Mailer explores the concept of divine punishment and the myths surrounding it. He suggests that traditional beliefs, such as the idea of a lightning bolt striking a blasphemer, seem exaggerated and disproportionate to the actual offenses committed. This distortion raises questions about the nature of power and authority, implying that the penalties imposed must match the gravity of the transgressions.

Mailer argues that for authority to elicit genuine respect and compliance, it needs to be presented as overwhelmingly powerful and awe-inspiring. Disproportionate power creates a sense of fear and reverence that drives obedience, hinting at a societal need for a more effective system of maintaining order and instilling an attitude of respect towards authority.