Hands

The symbol of Wing Biddlebaum’s hands plays a central role in conveying the themes of Alienation and Self-Estrangement. The hands, which are described as “nervous” and “expressive” throughout the story, represent his vulnerability and sensitivity, traits that challenge the town’s rigid expectations of masculinity. In the flashback, Adolph Myers’s hands are his means of expressing affection toward his students, but the gentle caresses are misinterpreted as “unspeakable” and “hideous” actions (7).

Wing Biddlebaum’s fear of his hands and the consequences they might bring, rooted in the accusation of sexual abuse, leads him to isolate himself from others. This isolation is further emphasized by his physical touch being restricted, as he is told to “keep your hands to yourself” (8). For 20 years, Wing Biddlebaum constantly hides his hands “in his pockets or behind his back” (4), until he can express himself with George Willard. Wing Biddlebaum’s struggle with intimacy and fear of being misunderstood is demonstrated through his lack of connection to his hands, which he has had to detach from himself for his own safety. Through the hands, Anderson demonstrates the impact that trauma and societal judgment can have on one’s ability to form meaningful relationships.

The symbol of hands evolves throughout the story, reflecting Biddlebaum’s internal struggle and longing for connection. Adolph Myers’s hands are representative of his gentleness, mentorship, and affection toward mankind. After he is beaten and driven from town, the hands become a source of shame that he must conceal. However, despite trying to hide his quirk, Wing Biddlebaum’s hands unintentionally become “his distinguishing figure, [and] the source of his fame” in Winesburg (5). The new community is proud of Wing Biddlebaum’s hands, and the closing image of Wing Biddlebaum collecting crumbs as if “going swiftly through decade after decade of his rosary” (8) offers the hands redemptive potential, as agents of good rather than destruction.