Genre
A political novel
Setting and Context
The book is set in 1971 in the context of justice.
Narrator and Point of View
A first-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Philosophical, Relaxed, Melancholy
Protagonist and Antagonist
John Rawls is the narrator and protagonist of the story.
Major Conflict
The veil of ignorance marks the major conflict in the book. According to Rawls, interference in one’s freedoms and thoughts amounts to social injustice in society. Similarly, the conflict continues to occur when people are not given equal liberties.
Climax
The climax is attained when the society attains justice, and every person is treated with decorum and respected despite their origin, race, religious affiliation or political opinions.
Foreshadowing
When Rawls argues that 'Justice is the first virtue of social institutions,' he foreshadows a free society of prejudice and inequalities.
Understatement
The presumption that everyone must act justly to attain a well-ordered society is an understatement. To attain order in society, the law must be enforced, and those who disobey should face the full force of the law.
Allusions
The allusion of the story is that attaining a socially ordered society requires the input of all citizens.
Imagery
The description of the basic structure of the society creates images that aid the reader to visualize how social justice is attained, thus enhancing the imagery of sight.
Paradox
The paradoxes of opinion and liberty are prevalent throughout the book. For instance, the assumptions that opinions hinder the ability to change are satirical.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The phrase 'distribution of fundamental rights and duties' is used to describe the need for people to understand their rights and obligations in society.
Personification
N/A
