The irony of rebellion and young trouble.
Though the Americans suspect that British government favors British proper, for Creighton Brown, it isn't necessarily a good thing to be in Britain. Ultimately, his mother notices that he hates the government so much that it would be literally better to send him to the Colonies. Ironically, she sends him right to the heart of one of the most important rebellions in modern history.
The ironic girlfriend.
Although they don't actually go far in their relationship during the novel, Creighton does have a crush on Sophie, it seems. He works with her at the print shop, but their relationship is on hold. Not only is Creighton on probation so to speak, she herself is too busy trying to become an ethical person to be distracted. If he wants to be part of her emotional landscape, he will have to consider Benjamin's philosophy for himself. Ironically, he goes to her for love and leaves with wisdom, which is what Sophie means in Greek.
Benedict Arnold.
This ironic character is ironic in reality because he was a traitor to the American Revolution, but as a fictional character, he is doubly ironic. If Creighton was offended by British royalty, then Arnold is his foil, his opposite. Creighton turns himself in to the Americans, but Arnold sells them out. Why? The narrative suggests that he is a violent person, and he went where he could do the most harm.
The irony of political terror.
Although Britain founded the American Colonies, there is no denying that in this book, British regime is a totalitarian force imposed by force and terror. When the Americans resist the British, Creighton understands that from his own personal experience of injustice in British society.
The irony of George Washington.
In reality, General George Washington led the Americans in their rebellion against British tyranny, and in reality, they made him the nation's first president. But in the novel, something incredibly ironic happens instead—they lose, and Washington is hanged for political treason against the British government. This irony underscores the alternative narrative that we often forget to include—they rebelled against Britain knowing it would mean certain death if they failed.
