In the excerpt from Toni Morrison's "Song of Solomon," the speaker challenges an authority figure's right to control the lives of others. They angrily assert that this power does not come from mere physical attributes, but rather, it requires deeper qualities or values that the individual lacks. This confrontation reveals the speaker's disdain for the individual’s arrogance and selfishness, suggesting a lack of true worth or respect.

The phrase "little hog's gut" symbolizes the superficiality of the man's perceived power and serves as a critique of toxic masculinity. It highlights the speaker's belief that true authority stems from character and moral integrity, rather than physical dominance. Ultimately, the passage underscores themes of struggle against oppression and the quest for genuine self-worth that transcends mere physicality.