In Lenrie's 'The Panic of Growing Older', another significant theme therein is on the___________

Analyze the question: The poem is Lenrie Peters' "The Panic of Growing Older." You are asked to identify another significant theme besides the obvious one (ageing and the passage of time).

Explain the concept: In the poem, the persona reflects on growing older with anxiety. He feels time is passing quickly and that he has achieved little. He worries about what is left of life, about decay, and about death. The poem is not about war or natural disasters. Its mood is one of anxiety and doubt about the future, and about the purpose and direction of one's life.

Step by step:

1. Option A, fear of natural disasters: The poem has no imagery or discussion of floods, earthquakes and the like. Eliminate.
2. Option C, futility of war: The poem has no war setting or reference. Eliminate.
3. Option D, essence of mankind and nature: This is a broad theme about humanity's relationship with nature. It is not the poem's focus, even though the poem uses some natural imagery. Eliminate.
4. Option B, uncertainties of life: The persona's panic comes from not knowing what time will bring, from the fleeting nature of life, and from doubt about whether his achievements have meaning. This fits the poem's theme of uncertainty alongside ageing and mortality.

Answer: B. Uncertainties of life.

Exam tip: For a "another theme" question in poetry, eliminate options with no link to the poem's setting or imagery (war, disasters). Then choose the option that best fits the persona's mood. Here that mood is anxiety, doubt and reflection on time.