Response to _Pass/Fail_ by Linda Pastan

       The most shocking thing about reading this poem was that I actually enjoyed reading it. This is due to the fact that the language was not in old English style and was phrased in dialect I could understand and also I could really connect with the subject matter of the poem. Immediately after reading the title, Pass/Fail, I felt like I, as a person, am only receiving two options in life: either to succeed or fail with no gray areas in between. After reading this first person perspective poem, I felt the attitude of the speaker was to assertively convey that failure will forever haunt you whether or not you are successful at times in your life. I felt convinced by this speaker that the imperfection of humanity is our fatal flaw, but I felt that the author manipulated the speakers feelings to demonstrate her differing opinion on the matter of life tests and life choices. I think that by displaying a pessimistic perspective about continually failing or continually being in fear of failing reflects an example of exactly the opposite of what the author wants the reader to feel after reading and reflecting about this poem. I think the author wants the reader to become more optimistic in life and realize that you can't be afraid of failure throughout your entire life or else you are not truly living and that failure is essential to our own development and growth as we age. The author suggests instead to reject the idea that there is only Pass/Fail options and suggests that the reader create and pave their own lives for themselves instead of thinking critically about the future and more about living in the present and without fear of epic failures. By reading this poem, I've learned that epic failures although can be dissatisfying can only help me, not hurt me.