In Margaret Atwood's "Good Bones and Simple Murders," she explores the dark aspect of male aggression, questioning why men have historically sought to harm one another. She highlights various motivations including material gain, power struggles, and emotions like rage and revenge. These forces drive men to conflicting desires that often result in violence. While men engage in warfare and aggression, their motivations can stem from an innate fear of other men rather than external threats.

Atwood suggests that the real danger does not lie in wild animals or nature but in the physicality of other men. This assertion implies a complex relationship where men, while capable of extreme violence, are also deeply affected by their interactions and battles with one another. The text raises profound questions about masculinity, fear, and the destructive consequences of male competition, reflecting on how these themes permeate society at large.