In order to answer an essay question on any poem it is vital that you understand what it is about. This section includes:
- The poem in a nutshell
- A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
- A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Wendy Cope’s intention and message
'1st Date – She & 1st Date – He' in a nutshell
'1st Date – She & 1st Date – He', written by the British poet Wendy Cope, offers parallel perspectives on a romantic relationship, specifically the beginning of one. By showing both a male and female perspective simultaneously, the poem offers a humorous and ironic take on romance.
'1st Date – She & 1st Date – He' breakdown
Lines 1–5
“1st Date - She
I said I liked classical music.
It wasn’t exactly a lie.
I hoped he would get the impression
That my brow was acceptably high.”
Translation
- The poem begins from a female’s first-person perspective
- The speaker describes a date during which she hoped to impress the man
- The speaker said she liked classical music so she would seem sophisticated (high-brow)
Cope's intention
- The poem begins with a monologue from a female speaker to show her intimate thoughts and unspoken words
- The poem’s theme, miscommunication in relationships, is introduced:
- The speaker justifies her need to appear better than she is so she appeals to the man (who she believes is more sophisticated than her)
Lines 6–9
“I said I liked classical music.
I mentioned Vivaldi and Bach.
And he asked me along to this concert.
Here we are, sitting in the half-dark.”
Translation
- The speaker says that she mentioned famous classical composers
- This led to a date at a concert, but it is “half-dark”, implying they cannot see each other
Cope's intention
- The speaker suggests that this common bond led to a date, at a concert
- The speaker hints that she has overstated her love for classical music and now they cannot really get to know each other
- This makes an ironic and humorous observation about facades in new relationships
Lines 10–13
“I was thrilled to be asked to this concert.
I couldn’t care less what they play
But I’m trying my hardest to listen
So I’ll have something clever to say.”
Translation
- The speaker says they are happy to be on a date
- However, what is of higher priority is keeping up the illusion that she has a sophisticated knowledge of classical music
Cope's intention
- The light-hearted tone of the speaker’s monologue makes the depiction of the date comedic and sweet
- However, the poet begins to suggest that the date is not a genuine interaction
Line 14–17
“When I glance at his face it’s a picture
Of rapt concentration. I see
He is totally into this music
And quite undistracted by me.”
Translation
- The speaker says that the man is more interested in the concert than her
- She says she is now on a date with a man who genuinely does love classical music
Cope's intention
- The speaker’s monologue ends with an uneasy tone
- The speaker is frustrated by the lack of intimacy the concert affords them and realises the cost of her dishonesty
Lines 18–22
“1st Date - He
She said she liked classical music.
I implied I was keen on it too.
Though I don’t often go to a concert,
It wasn’t entirely untrue.”
Translation
- The perspective shifts to the male speaker:
- He says, ironically, that it was not him who said he loved classical music
- He says he does like classical music but does not often go to a concert
- This suggests they both overstated their love for it to impress each other
Cope's intention
- The poem’s irony offers a comedic and intimate exploration of two people attempting to start a relationship
- Hearing from both the female and then the male speaker shows the similar mistakes the pair both make
Lines 23–30
“I looked for a suitable concert
And here we are, on our first date.
The traffic was dreadful this evening
And I arrived ten minutes late.
So we haven’t had much time for talking
And I’m a bit nervous. I see
She is totally lost in the music
And quite undistracted by me.”
Translation
- The speaker says they tried to find a concert for them to go to together
- He is concerned he was late and seems a little worried
Cope's intention
- Dramatic irony presents the misunderstandings between the pair:
- While the female speaker thinks the man is distracted by the music, he is actually worrying about the impression he is making
- In fact, he thinks she is focused on the concert
Lines 31–34
“In that dress she is very attractive -
The neckline can’t fail to intrigue.
I musn’t appear too besotted.
Perhaps she is out of my league.”
Translation
- The speaker begins to notice the woman and feels attraction
- He tries to control this, though, as he begins to wonder if she is too good for him
Cope's intention
- The poem explores the mixed emotions of a couple on a date
- The speaker, here, explores the nervousness, as well as the stirrings of desire
- This line conveys the worrying thoughts about self-image at the start of a new relationship
Lines 35–38
“Where are we? I glance at the programme
But I’ve put my glasses away.
I’d better start paying attention
Or else I’ll have nothing to say.”
Translation
- The poem ends with the speaker realising he should focus rather than daydream
- He cannot see the programme as he has put away his glasses and feels it would look odd to get them out again:
- However, now he cannot read any information and needs to impress his date with knowledge about the concert
Cope's intention
- The poem ends with a final mirroring of the male speaker’s thoughts and the female speaker’s thoughts
- They are both equally trying to impress each other, and the concert is of no concern
- The poem is a comic examination of both genders’ similar emotions in a new relationship