"A deck of cards is built like the purest of hierarchies, with every card a master to those below it, a lackey to those above it"

This quote by Ely Culbertson is a metaphor for the hierarchical structure of society. The deck of cards is a representation of the social order, with each card representing a various level of power and authority. The Ace is the greatest card, and is the master of all the cards listed below it. The King is the 2nd greatest card, and is the master of all the cards below it, other than the Ace. The Queen is the 3rd highest card, and is the master of all the cards listed below it, except the Ace and the King. This hierarchy continues down the line, with each card having a master above it and lackeys listed below it. This metaphor is a suggestion that in society, there is a clear hierarchy of power and authority, which each person has a place in the social order.