The Year of the Hangman Literary Elements

Historical fiction

The action described in the novel takes place during the second part of the 18th century in America.

The poem is told from a third-person objective point of view.

The tone in the novel is a violent and mysterious one.

The protagonists are described as being the American people fighting for their independence while the antagonists are described as being the British forces trying to kill all those who tried to gain their freedom.

The major conflict in the novel is between the British forces and the American revolutionary forces.

The novel reaches its climax when George Washington is hanged at the end of the novel, thus signaling the loss of the American Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Franklin’s death is foreshadowed in the beginning of the novel by the death of Creighton father’s death.

We find an understatement in the scene where Creighton claims to be a servant to escape from being sent to prison. The idea Creighton was a servant is however an understatement as it is later revealed in the novel.

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Important imagery is presented at the end of the novel when General Arnold loses a leg while in battle. Despite losing a limb and being gravely injured, General Arnold claims he still wants to continue to fight for his country. The image of General Arnold being willing to do everything for his country is important because it shows just how much the general population was willing to lose to win their freedom.

A paradoxical element in the novel is the relationship Creighton has with his family. While it is clear from the start he has a hard time being the child his parents want, result in numerous conflicts, Creighton also shows his loyalty and affection for his family by putting his own life in danger.

A parallel can be drawn between Creighton and his father who died before the beginning of the novel. Creighton’s father died in the colonies and while it is unclear what caused his death, it is implied it was the result of his desire to fight for independence. While Creighton did not lose his life, he put his life in danger in numerous occasions by fighting for what he saw as being a worthy cause.

The term “land” is used in the novel as a general term to make reference to the desire to gain independence and also to suggest the idea that the British saw the colonies as nothing more than a good they could exploit without any consequences.

We find personification in the sentence “the dirt screamed with anguish”.