Wendy Cope poem

There are many ways to start. First, you could identify who you think is speaking (what is the dramatic situation?). Is it a male or female voice? What clues can you extrapolate on?

You might look up the villanelle and discuss the structure of the poem.

You could look at the use of specific words - how does "simple" in the first line contrast with the rest of the poem?

Is Cope making a statement about how people need instant gratification or how dating has become absurd, with eharmony.com and other formulaic solutions to love?

Have fun, it's an interesting poem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lch

Hello,
I would be very grateful if someone helped me analysing poem of Wendy Cope 'Lonely Hearts':

Can someone make my simple wish come true?
Male biker seeks female for touring fun.
Do you live in North London? Is it you?

Gay vegetarian whose friends are few,
I'm into music, Shakespeare and the sun,
Can someone make my simple wish come true?

Executive in search of something new -
Perhaps bisexual woman, arty, young.
Do you live in North London? Is it you?

Successful, straight and solvent? I am too -
Attractive Jewish lady with a son.
Can someone make my simple wish come true?

I'm Libran, inexperienced and blue -
Need slim non-smoker, under twenty-one.
Do you live in North London? Is it you?

Please write (with photo) to Box 152.
Who knows where it may lead once we've begun?
Can someone make my simple wish come true?
Do you live in North London? Is it you?