A Theory of Justice Literary Elements

A Theory of Justice Literary Elements

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

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