Childhood is often experienced through sensory memories like sounds, smells, and sighs, which capture the essence of childhood before rational thought takes over. These simple, instinctive experiences define the early years of life, creating a vivid and emotional world that is raw and pure.
As John Betjeman expresses, childhood can be symbolized by these sensory impressions that evoke innocence and simplicity. The quote from "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" highlights how these early experiences shape our perception of childhood before the complexities of reason and understanding develop.