FREE ESSAY ON LAST HURRAH

LAST HURRAH

Edwin O'Connor's novel The Last Hurrah presents an effective view of the difficult and
complex life of the Irish-American community in Boston of the 1950's. The author uses a
number of characterizations to produce themes that relate to the political and social
considerations of this era. He also provides most of the accounts in his novel from a
single perspective, that of Frank Skeffington. He is the main character. This character
in particular enables O'Connor to present the topic with some accuracy while continuing
to create a fictional account of the time frame. This was his goal, to provide truth
inside a fictional story.
O'Connor talks directly about and gives great consideration in the system of criminal
activity. He feels it directly corresponds with the political structure in the community.
The author develops his novel around Skeffington, but also around the characterization of
James Michael Curley, the forceful and corrupt political force in the community in
Boston. These two characters seem to be greatly different, but they also have some
likeness to each other. This novel portrays the complexity of the corruption within this
community and the political structure. He also demonstrates the support for this type of
institution and 
its importance within the community itself. 
There is particular consideration given to the political climate in this story. It is
incorporated with social and ethnic concerns that are prevalent. The story also addresses
prejudice and the theme of ethnic stereotyping through his character development.
O'Connor does not present a work that is riddled with Irish slurs or ethnic
approximations. Instead, he attempts to provide an account that is both informative and
accurate. 
One important theme that is developed through the characterization of Skeffington is the
great importance he has of the historical perspective on the current life of the Irish
immigrant community. While O'Connor uses this character to present a dignified
representation of Irish immigrant politics, it is also clear that Skeffington serves as a
contrast to Curley. Curley demonstrates a clearly determined form of corruption without
concern for the ethnic or political history of the Irish immigrant community. Skeffington
cannot ignore the past and the impact history has on his community. 
Skeffington is a product of the Irish community, and reflects on his origin in many
instances through out this story. There are a number of important elements that are
unique to the Irish community in Boston and also significant to the life of Skeffington.
Some of these elements include historical perspective, the work ethic, and religion. The
major conflicts developed are not just products of the perceived political situation or
the corruption defined by the individual characters, but also are related to common
social and religious perspectives indicative of the community. 
O'Connor also creates characters that both represent these perspectives and also contrast
both Skeffington and Curley. The development of the quiet, somber and almost delicate
persona of John Gorman is one contrasting character to the complex Skeffington and the
boastful, almost ridiculous Curley. Gorman's dedication to social structures and concern
for religion and the family contrast the ideals represented by the candidate and the
corrupt political leader. When talking with Gorman at a party, Molly Riordan presents her
perspective of Frank Skeffington, and is met with Gorman's skeptical response. Molly
says, He's the best of them all, John, God love him. There's not a night goes by I don't
say a little prayer for him... (85). Gorman's response is a simple non-committal comment
about the party and skeptically attempts to avoid demonstrating any commitment to Molly's
remarks.
Although Gorman and Skeffington have a close association, there is no determination of
any loyalty that exists from Gorman's perspective. He is not dedicated to the cause of
Skeffington's election, although that is a primary aspect of many of his interactions.
Gorman's odd sense of humor also adds to his presentation of skepticism in regards to
Skeffington. When discussing the topic of campaign issues that came up between
Skeffington and his nephew, the nephew acknowledges that the topic did come up whenever
they were together. Gorham's response, intended to invoke religious symbolism as well as
humor, was: Ah well, that's natural enough...If you met the Pope, you'd talk about
religion. (192). Moments like these present O'Connor's design towards skepticism and
irony, while also putting things in a religious and cultural context.
The connection between Skeffington and his nephew Adam is also a area that allows the
author to produce comparison as well as produce irony. Their relationship represents a
commonalty in the Irish community, as well as the interconnectedness within many ethnic
families. Adam not only becomes and essential part of Skeffington's political process,
but also often appears to represent his kinder side. Perhaps the comparison shows
Skeffington's persona as a young man, before so many outside and corrupt influences
became associated to his self-identity. It shows how much politics have changed him over
the years. Skeffington looks to Adam as a means to keep hold of family connections while
also reminding himself of who he was and who he is. 
Skeffington's election night is a much-anticipated action in the story. The impact of his
political defeat redefines him. It is no longer his primary role in life to be a defined
part of the political structure, and he faces a new reality of goals and perceptions. At
the same time, his defeat could be viewed as his greatest success. It gives him the
opportunity to step back from all the influences he has on him being a politician.
Skeffington, in the midst of undeniable defeat, must also display his important
self-image within his strengths as a good loser. Rather than accepting defeat,
Skeffington embraces it as a means to rededicate his life. 
O'Connor's book is powerful because of its complexity of levels. There is a defined
consideration for the plot and characterizations, but O'Connor does not stop at this. He
also creates complex characters that promote an understanding of the political and social
structures of the day, while also addressing corruption in the Irish-American community
in Boston in the 1950s. It is also important to note that O'Connor develops his
characters within a historical perspective, because it is necessary for his characters to
understand the significance of the past in order to avoid the same mistakes in the
future. 
Characters like Frank Skeffington, who originated out of the Irish ghettos, could
comprehend their past and make determined efforts to avoid the same issues and behaviors
of their childhood in order to become powerful adults. Although Skeffington can remember
his meager past, he cannot think of a way to change his future without having to be
involved in the corruption presented by people like Curley. The similarities and contrast
between these two men, as well as the contrast with John Gorman, successful demonstrate
the complexity of social and political order in the community of this time.