Effective Use of Imagery/Symbolism: - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

Effective Use of Imagery/Symbolism:
The poem employs imagery and symbolism to convey the emotional landscape of the narrator:

Closed Book of Memory: This symbolizes the past, which is no longer accessible. The closed book signifies the irretrievability of youth and past experiences.

Flowers Wilting: The image of "wilting flowers" represents the transient nature of life and beauty, reinforcing the idea of aging as a process of gradual decay.

Birds Returning Home: The birds returning home symbolize a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, as they are akin to memories and experiences coming back to haunt the narrator.

In conclusion, "The Panic of Growing Older" by Lerrie Peters is a masterfully crafted poem that skillfully explores the complex emotions associated with aging. Through its use of poetic devices and vivid imagery, the poem resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level, inviting them to contemplate their own experiences with the passage of time and the inevitable process of growing older.