What metaphors are used in A Theory of Justice by John Rawls?

Implicit in Rawls's idea of a just society is that it is one structured so as to maximize social equality. Rawls makes clear that a certain degree of inequality is tolerable, even in a just society. He focuses particularly on inequalities in the distribution of wealth and in the level of political power held by different individuals. He argues that these inequalities are acceptable, given that those on the very lowest rungs of society are guaranteed at least a minimum of financial means, political influence (such as voting), and basic rights. His argument against utilitarianism is in part that it allows for the utter devastation of some members of society, as long as the prosperity and happiness of others is maximized. Rawls, as well as other philosophers before him, have pointed out that there is a degree of inhumanity in this aspect of utilitarian theory, which disregards any concern with social equality. Rawls, on the other hand, proposes a system that allows for limited social inequality.