In my literary analysis, I will explain my thesis through the themes of each of the works of literature and conclude with how they all relate to each other.
In the Mending Wall, Robert Frost examines how a wall connects two neighbors literally (physically) and in a deeper way. The theme is that sometimes people build walls when they are afraid of something new in their lives. The narrator explained how there is a wall between their houses and how each spring both of them work to mend their side of the wall. It is interesting how the author portrays the narrator to be aware that is a wall that needs mending every year with this person and how both of them still continue to have a wall between them. This is a symbolic representation of a wall that is in their relationship. The line “Good fences make good neighbors” is an important line that demonstrates the theme because once again the reader understands that both the narrator and the neighbor really have never made the attempt to fully connect with each other and never will connect. The reason is that because they are so different since “He is all pine and I am apple orchard.” They are completely opposites and are content to stay with themselves. I really found this work interesting because the author is very clear in his descriptions on how this impacts our everyday lives and is in our everyday life.
In the Slam, Dunk, & Hook, Yusef Komunyaka shows the reader that basketball is more than a sport; it is a way of life. The theme is that when you have a passion for something your commitment to that goal allows you to be yourself. Throughout the story, the narrator explains the process of the game, the training of the game and the actual game. I think this is important because it is through this description that the theme is shown. The details of the sneakers, the sidelines, cheerleaders and the hoop itself show us the commitment to the game and how much it has impacted the narrators’ life. The basketball rituals are described in such a vivid detail it adds a sort of mystical and religious way of connecting to the narrator and life. This deeper connection demonstrates the theme because they were one with the game. It created an untouchable feeling.
In Common Ground, Judith Ortiz Cofer uses blood to explain that all family members are connected through this common meaning and substance. The theme is that blood is within all of us and no matter how different we are from our family members we will always be connected to them. This also refers to the saying “Blood is thicker than water” which means that you will always be connected to your family, no matter what happens in your life. Throughout the story, blood is described as a language and origin point for the narrators’ family. The narrator describes the different physical features of his family members, but realizes that it those features don’t matter because the all share the “common ground” of that blood line.
In The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice in American Jesuit Higher Education, Fr. Peter- Hans Kolvenbach explains what Jesuit education truly is and the importance of having a Jesuit education. The theme is care of the body, mind and heart (cura personalis) which is exactly the theme or message at Loyola University. Throughout the passage and at the University, Jesuit education is stressed because we are encouraged to better ourselves in all aspects of life. This is important because we need to be educated citizens and excel in all areas of life in the world. Also, we need to help others achieve their goals and succeed in life. The theme is shown when the author is constantly reminding us to reach out and do community service and help others. I thought this was an interesting passage because it really hits home for all of us at Loyola University and we live out the theme every day.
In conclusion, all of these are unique in their own way. However, there is a central message that connects all of them. This message is: As people we must overcome our fears, find our passions with a common meaning and help everyone achieve their goals. After reading all four passages, I learned this connection.