1. ‘Living in sin’ is an old-fashioned expression from a time when it was considered a sin for a couple to live together without being married. Discuss what you think about this expression and what it reveals about the culture it was used in.
2. Do you think most people have an overly romanticised view of love?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. Why did the woman think that there would be no need to dust the studio in lines 1–2?
2. What do you think Rich means when she says the taps are ‘vocal’? Give reasons for your answer.
3. Describe some of the paintings the artist has created (lines 4–7).
4. In lines 8–14 the speaker reveals the things that bother her. Explain these things in your own words.
5. Do you think the man in this poem is equally bothered by the squalid surroundings? Refer to lines 15–18 in your answer.
6. What do you think the phrase ‘minor demons’ might refer to in line 19? Explain your answer.
7. Do the last four lines of the poem convince you that this couple’s relationship will last? Give reasons for your answer.
8. Having read the poem, do you think that ‘Living in Sin’ is the best possible title for it or would you suggest another? Give reasons for your answer.
9. Dawn is normally a positive symbol. Did you think it has positive or negative connotations in this poem? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
10. What theme or themes can you find in this poem? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
CREATING
1. Write a film review of a romantic comedy of your choice titled ‘How the camera views romantic love’.
2. Imagine you are the milkman. The woman in the poem has written you a note asking you to make less noise in the morning. Write the note that you would compose in return.
3. Write a five-minute radio talk where you attempt to persuade your listeners that accepting life’s imperfections is the key to happiness.
4. Write a personal essay about the little things in life that annoy you. 340 VERSE 2022
