Ariana Spagna Literary Analysis

            Relationships consist of certain connections with two or more things.  They can be ethical, intimate, and even interpersonal.  The Mending Wall by Robert Frost, Slam, Dunk, and Hook, by Yusef Komunyakaa, Common Ground by Judith Ortiz Cofer, and The Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice in Jesuit Higher Education, by Fr. Peter – Hans, all share this common ground of relationships. 

            Mending Wall by Robert Frost is based on something that leads to a good relationship.  The development of a wall is something that creates a respectful distance.  This respectful distance shows that people need their own space and separation.  Sometimes they need to work together in order to create a good relationship, but it is also possible to be separated and still have a good relationship.  We build certain barriers to keep others out and so does everyone else.  However, these barriers create successful relationships.

            In Slam, Dunk, and Hook, by Yusef Komunyakaa, the main character brings the theme of relationships into play by using strong imagery.  The main character has a strong relationship with the game of basketball.  Basketball offers an escape to the players and the author uses many vivid images of action, grace, and beauty.

            Common Ground, by Judith Ortiz Cofer shows the essence of relationship, but through blood.  People are connected through blood and their family ties.  Everyone shares some sort of “common ground”, because we all have our origins that eventually come out like everyone else.  Our blood and origins allow us to be connected.

            In the Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice in Jesuit Higher Education, by Fr. Peter – Hans Kolvenbach talks about how important relationships actually are.  In order to be part of a Jesuit community, there needs to be a sense of oneness.  This oneness allows everyone to develop relationships with people, communities, and even religion. 

            All of these works show how relationships are a very important aspect in ones life.  These relationships can be with a person and anything else that develops some sort of personal connection.