Facing It By Yusef Komunyakaa And Mending Wall By Robert Fro

Facing It By Yusef Komunyakaa2 Mending Wall By Robert Frostad

Presenting a comparative analysis of two poems, "Facing It" by Yusef Komunyakaa and "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost, the assignment requires identifying each poem's structure and literary devices that convey their themes. It also involves exploring the thematic intersections and contrasts between the two works, along with reflections on the lasting impressions or questions they evoke.

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The poetry of Yusef Komunyakaa in "Facing It" and Robert Frost in "Mending Wall" provides profound insight into human experiences, memory, and boundaries, both literal and metaphorical. Analyzing how each poet structures their work and employs literary devices illuminates their messages and deepens our understanding of their themes.

In "Facing It," Komunyakaa uses vivid imagery and free verse to evoke personal and collective memories of trauma and loss. The poem’s irregular line breaks and lack of a fixed stanza structure mirror the chaos and unpredictability of the poet's reflection on the Vietnam War. The structure emphasizes fragmented memory, with lines like "My clouded reflection eyes me like a bird of prey," juxtaposing personal identity with the haunting memories embedded within the memorial. The absence of a consistent stanza form allows the poem to flow organically, mimicking the ongoing process of confronting one’s past and the fluidity of memory itself. Komunyakaa’s use of visual imagery—such as “white flash,” “red bird’s wings,” and the "black granite"—not only paints a visceral picture but also symbolically represents the intertwined nature of trauma and resilience.

Conversely, Frost's "Mending Wall" employs a traditional, blank-verse form with regular rhyme schemes and consistent stanza breaks. This structure underscores the routine nature of the annual ritual of repairing the wall. Frost’s deliberate line breaks and conversational tone create a sense of dialogue, engaging the reader directly with the speaker and his neighbor. Literary devices such as metaphor ("Good fences make good neighbors") and imagery (the "frozen-ground-swell" causing gaps) serve to question the necessity of boundaries. The poem’s structure and poetic devices work together to explore themes of division, tradition, and human relationships, prompting reflection on whether boundaries are natural or constructed.

The thematic intersection between the two poems centers on human attempts to delineate boundaries—whether physical, emotional, or memorial— and the implications of these divisions. "Facing It" deals with the idea of memory and trauma as intangible boundaries that are difficult to mend or forget, evident in the speaker’s confrontation with the Wall and the names engraved upon it. Similarly, "Mending Wall" examines physical boundaries through the recurring act of repairing a wall, questioning whether such barriers serve genuine purposes or perpetuate outdated traditions.

The contrast lies in their treatment of boundaries: Frost’s wall is a deliberate, constructed boundary upheld by tradition, while Komunyakaa’s memorial embodies the indelible scars of past suffering. The poem "Facing It" leaves a lasting impression of the visceral pain and resilience involved in confronting history and personal trauma. It raises questions about identity, memory, and the process of healing. Conversely, "Mending Wall" prompts contemplation on social boundaries and whether they facilitate understanding or foster separation. The poem's repetitive refrain and structured form leave an impression of the cyclical nature of human relationships and societal customs.

Both poems evoke a sense of contemplation about the reasons behind boundaries—be they emotional, social, or existential—and whether they are justified or futile. "Facing It" leaves the reader pondering the scars of war and the process of reconciliation with loss, while "Mending Wall" invites reflection on the societal norms that maintain divisions and their relevance in contemporary life.

Overall, these works challenge us to consider the boundaries we uphold, consciously or unconsciously, and at what cost they come. The poetry of Komunyakaa and Frost reveals the deep-rooted human need for connection and understanding amid divisions, highlighting both the painful truths and the potential for reconciliation inherent in their structures and themes.

References

• Frost, R. (1914). Mending Wall. In North of Boston. Henry Holt and Company.
• Komunyakaa, Y. (1988). Facing It. New York Times.
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