1st Date - She and 1st Date - He

• What type of language does Cope use in the poem?

  Vernacular language
• Why is the language in the poem considered accessible?

  It uses everyday vocabulary
• What common situation does the poem reflect?

  Trying to impress on a first date
• What does the phrase "Here we are" suggest about the characters?

  They are in tune with each other
• What is ironic about their perception of each other during the concert?

  They misperceive each other's thoughts
• What does "He" admitting he was "ten minutes late" imply?

  It could be a point of contention
• How does "She" react to "He" being late?

  She does not mention it at all
• What does their lack of communication imply?

  They maintain false impressions of each other
• What phrases indicate a lexis of anxiety in the poem?

  "Out of my league" and "hoped"
• What is the rhyme scheme typical of in the poem?

  Ballad form
• What moral might Cope be conveying through the poem?

  Misrepresenting yourself can lead to issues
• How does the rhyme affect the tone of the poem?

  It gives a light, jaunty tone
• What does the playful structure of the poem allow for?

  Multiple ways to read the poem
• How does enjambment affect the reader's experience?

  It drags the reader into one voice's thoughts
• What dual meaning is suggested by the line about "rapt concentration"?

  Attraction and focus on the music
• What does the repetition of "I said I liked classical music" indicate?

  Self-reproach for being pretentious
• What does "He" having an extra stanza suggest about his character?

  He is more distracted and anxious
• What is the title of the poem discussed?

  First Date
• What collection is "First Date" a part of?

  The Audience
• What types of characters are explored in "The Audience" collection?

  Different types of concertgoers
• Who commissioned the collection "The Audience"?

  The Endellion Quartet
• What accompanies the poems when performed?

  A musical accompaniment