Literary Analysis Mike Ray

This Literary Analysis will analyze “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost, “Slam, Dunk & Hook” by Yusef Komunyakaa, “Common Ground” by Judith Ortiz Cofer, and lastly “The Service and Faith and Promotion of Jesus in Justice in Jesuit Higher Education” by Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach. After reading these four pieces of literature, a common theme stuck out to me; Unity. In every selection an individual or group unites for a common realization or goal. Whether it is personal, a team, or the society, every selection describes unity in some way.

This theme of unity ties very closely to our Loyola education and Jesuit tradition. Robert Frosts’ “Mending Wall” describes the friendship of two farmers and gives insight towards exactly why there is a “wall” between their orchards. The narrator doesn’t believe the “wall” is necessary and wishes to unite the farms land together as one. He points out that walls are “where there are cows” however in his case there are no cows. Similar to the idea of breaking down walls, Loyola and its Jesuit tradition aims to break down barriers and unite as one community.

Similarly in Komunyakaa’s “Slam, Dunk & Hook” the theme of unity is present. The character Sonny experiences a tragic event and unites with his favorite activity to cope with his feelings. Kolvenbach points out in “The Service of Faith and Promotion of Jesus in Justice in Jesuit Higher Education” that the community always needs you and you always need the community. By channeling his energy towards basketball within the community, Sonny is able to cope with the loss of his mother.

The last reading selection, “Common Ground” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is the epitome of Loyola and Jesuit tradition with respect to unity. Focusing on the community and the individual and understanding where it all comes from is centrally part of the Jesuit tradition. By looking into the mirror and seeing parts of all his ancestors, the narrator understands what he is truly made from. Similar to that Jesuits do their part for the community and have that sense of accomplishment and common ground with their peers. Whether it is breaking down walls, coping with pain or doing your part for the community, here at Loyola we have all found a common ground. Together as Jesuits we can help not only ourselves rather the city of Baltimore in hundreds of ways.