Fatness
The vast majority of the American characters described in the novel are fat or at least heavier when compared with the way the natives are described. This fatness quickly becomes used as a metaphor in the novel to represent American prosperity, especially when compared with that of the various countries they try to impose their influence. This metaphor also helps the reader see better the power imbalance which existed between various countries and territories.
Communism and religion
Father Finian is quick to see the similarity between religious fanatics and political ones. When he encounters communists for the first time, he is able to see just how important communism was for them. Because of this, in many cases, Finian does not every try to convince eager political supporters to change their point of view, knowing well that was not likely to happen. This similarity transmits the idea that political ideas have the power to replace religious ones and just like religious fanaticism can be extremely dangerous, the same can be said about political fanaticism as well.
The press
The idea that the freedom of the press should be protected at all costs is one of the main motifs in the novel. The press is also used as a metaphor, representing the idea of truth and the power it has. The power of the press cannot be stopped in Burma or in the surrounding countries and this gives access to the common people to the truth and allows them to make their own decisions. The press is one of the most important metaphors in the novel, being mentioned time and time again.
Not learning the language
The Americans working in various foreign countries are reluctant to learn to native language, expecting the others to learn English instead. For them, adapting to a new country and culture is no important and sees it as the obligation of those around them to do everything they can to accommodate them and please them. This refusal to learn the native language of the countries they are working in is seen as a metaphor for arrogance by the natives. Because of this, The Americans are largely hated and isolated by the native population of the countries where they are working in.
Dancing
The Americans working in Sarkhan are known by the locals for throwing lavish partying, getting drunk, spending a lot of money on luxury items they do not need and dancing till the early hours of the morning. Because of these actions, the Sarkhanese look down on the Americans and are unable to take them seriously. Dancing in this context is used here as a metaphor that represents the shallowness of the American workers and their unwillingness to help the Sarkhanese people.
