In Thomas Pynchon's book "Gravity's Rainbow," the author discusses the structure of power and its dependency on dominance and submission. He posits that societal structures thrive on these dynamics, viewing them as essential resources for survival. The implication is that these power relations cannot be wasted in private sexual interactions, as they are vital for the state to maintain control and assert influence over individuals. Thus, personal sexual expressions that delve into submission and dominance are seen as potential threats to the established order.

Pynchon suggests that if sadomasochism were integrated into familial structures, it could dismantle the state's power. He argues that the joy typically associated with intimate relationships is absent when viewed through the lens of power dynamics. Instead, these interactions are reduced to mere tools for control, highlighting a troubling relationship between personal freedom and societal constructs. This critique of power dynamics urges a reevaluation of how we engage with submission and dominance in both personal and societal contexts.