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 in
Skeffington is a product of the Irish community, and reflects on his origin in many instances through out this story. Gorman's response is a simple non-committal comment about the party and skeptically attempts to avoid demonstrating any commitment to Molly's remarks. At the same time, his defeat could be viewed as his greatest success. O'Connor also creates characters that both represent these perspectives and also contrast both Skeffington and Curley. O'Connor's book is powerful because of its complexity of levels. He is not dedicated to the cause of Skeffington's election, although that is a primary aspect of many of his interactions. 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. " Rather than accepting defeat, Skeffington embraces it as a means to rededicate his life. Although Gorman and Skeffington have a close association, there is no determination of any loyalty that exists from Gorman's perspective. There is particular consideration given to the political climate in this story. Skeffington's election night is a much-anticipated action in the story. When talking with Gorman at a party, Molly Riordan presents her perspective of Frank Skeffington, and is met with Gorman's skeptical response. If you met the Pope, you'd talk about religion.
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Acceptance Essays
