  We examine the current status of the spectral analysis of SN1987A during its
early stages. Issues of the shock breakout and UV flash, the density and
chemical structure, and masses of different layers are discussed. A decade
later, several aspects need a fresh look and interpretation. We summarize what
questions have been answered and where some results disagree. Unresolved
problems such as the excess of s-process elements and influence of asphericity
are addressed. Finally, SN1987A is considered as a test case for using Type II
as distance indicators via the Baade-Wesselink method.
