The phrase “last hurrah” evokes images of a final, grand celebration or a swan song before something comes to an end. But where does this colorful saying, “Where Does The Saying The Last Hurrah Come From,” actually originate? It turns out its roots are deeply entwined with American politics and a very specific, larger-than-life character.
The Curley Connection A Political Origin
The saying’s popularization is almost universally attributed to Edwin O’Connor’s 1956 novel, *The Last Hurrah*. The book centers around the fictional character of Frank Skeffington, an aging Irish-American mayor of a New England city, widely believed to be based on the real-life James Michael Curley, a controversial and charismatic four-time mayor of Boston. Curley’s career was marked by both genuine public service and accusations of corruption, making him a complex and compelling figure. The novel, and subsequently the John Ford-directed film adaptation, cemented “the last hurrah” in the American lexicon as representing a final, perhaps desperate, attempt at glory or power.
Curley himself was a master of populist politics. He understood the needs and desires of his immigrant constituents, particularly the Irish, and he delivered for them through public works projects and patronage jobs. However, his methods were often questionable, and he served time in prison for mail fraud. It’s this blend of charisma, effectiveness, and ethical ambiguity that made him such a fascinating subject for O’Connor’s novel. The book explores the changing landscape of American politics, where old-style political machines like Curley’s were beginning to lose their grip.
Here’s a simplified look at Curley’s political life:
- Served multiple terms as Mayor of Boston
- Also served as a U.S. Congressman and Governor of Massachusetts
- Known for his flamboyant personality and populist appeal
- Convicted of mail fraud and served time in prison
The beauty of “the last hurrah” lies in its ambiguity. It can be used to describe anything from a political campaign to a retirement party, but it always carries with it a sense of finality and a hint of nostalgia for a bygone era.
To delve deeper into the historical context and literary analysis of “The Last Hurrah,” consult Edwin O’Connor’s novel directly for a firsthand account of the character and era that popularized the phrase.