"The Headsman; Or, The Abbaye des Vignerons" by James Fenimore Cooper explores a number of themes related to how society structures itself, including justice, authority, friendship, parental relationships, love and marriage. The novel is typically described for its socio-political commentary, but critics have argued the importance of treating the novel as part of Cooper's deliberate artistry. However, it's written in the style of a European novel which uses the setting to contrast American society and politics.