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 …

…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.