“Hands” by Sherwood Anderson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

“Hands” by Sherwood Anderson was first published in 1919 within his short story collection Winesburg, Ohio. This prose piece possesses qualities of a character sketch or vignette rather than a traditional short story. It is noted for its evocative imagery, exploration of psychological complexities, and themes of loneliness and isolation.

Main Events in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Literary Devices in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration		The repetition of the initial consonant sounds creates rhythm and emphasis, drawing attention to the description of the character.
Allusion	“Wing Biddlebaum became wholly inspired. For once he forgot the hands.”	Reference to the character’s name and the unique aspect of his personality.
Imagery	“A boy clad in a blue shirt leaped from the wagon…”	Vivid description that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to visualize the scene.
Irony	“Wing Biddlebaum talked much with his hands.”	Despite Wing’s desire to hide his hands, they become the primary means of his communication.
Metaphor	“The hands, the stroking of the shoulders and the touching of the hair was a part of the schoolmaster’s effort to carry a dream into the young minds.”	Comparison between the hands’ actions and the schoolmaster’s efforts to influence the boys’ thoughts and dreams.
Personification	“The feet of the boy in the road kicked up a cloud of dust…”	Assigning human characteristics to non-human entities, enhancing the description of the scene.
Repetition	“The hands… The hands alarmed their owner.”	Repeating the phrase for emphasis, highlighting the significance of the hands in the character’s life.
Simile	“Their restless activity, like unto the beating of the wings of an imprisoned bird…”	Comparing the activity of the hands to the beating of wings, emphasizing their constant motion.
Symbolism	“The hands became quiet.”	The hands symbolize Wing’s inner turmoil and struggle, reflecting his emotional state.
Tone	“With a shiver of dread the boy arose and went along the road toward town.”	The tone conveys the sense of fear and uncertainty experienced by the character.

Characterization in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Major Characters:

1. Wing Biddlebaum (Adolph Myers):
   • Example: “Wing Biddlebaum, forever frightened and beset by a ghostly band of doubts…”
   • Characterization: Wing is portrayed as a complex and troubled character, haunted by past events and plagued by self-doubt. His nervousness and desire for companionship are evident in his interactions with George Willard.
2. George Willard:
   • Example: “George Willard, who for twenty years had been the town mystery…”
   • Characterization: George is depicted as an observant and empathetic young man, willing to listen to Wing Biddlebaum’s stories despite the latter’s troubled demeanor. He serves as a catalyst for Wing’s moments of clarity and self-reflection.

Minor Characters:

1. Berry Pickers (Youths and Maidens):
   • Example: “A boy clad in a blue shirt leaped from the wagon and attempted to drag after him one of the maidens who screamed and protested shrilly.”
   • Characterization: The berry pickers represent the vibrant youth of Winesburg, engaging in playful antics and carefree behavior. They serve as a contrast to Wing Biddlebaum’s introspective and troubled existence.
2. Henry Bradford (Saloon Keeper):
   • Example: “One afternoon a man of the town, Henry Bradford, who kept a saloon, came to the schoolhouse door…”
   • Characterization: Henry Bradford embodies the town’s collective anger and judgment towards Wing Biddlebaum, acting as a symbol of societal condemnation. His violent actions reflect the community’s intolerance towards perceived deviance.

Major Themes in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Writing Style in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

• Simple and Direct Language: Anderson favors short, declarative sentences and accessible vocabulary. This avoids ornamentation, focusing on conveying raw emotion and stark imagery.
• Repetition: He frequently repeats words, phrases, and images. This reinforces key ideas and creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality to the prose, mirroring the repetitive nature of Wing’s gestures.
• Symbolism: Anderson makes powerful use of symbols, particularly focusing on Wing Biddlebaum’s hands. The hands represent his unexpressed emotions, his potential for connection, and ultimately, the source of his misunderstanding.
• Limited Third-Person Narration: The story is told from a third-person perspective, but the narrator doesn’t delve deeply into every character’s thoughts. This maintains a sense of ambiguity around Wing, letting the reader piece together his story through observation and implication.
• Emphasis on Atmosphere and Mood: Anderson prioritizes creating a powerful sense of place and emotional atmosphere over complex plot development. The story is rich with imagery and evokes a lingering sense of melancholy and loneliness.
• Focus on the Grotesque: In the tradition of Winesburg, Ohio, the story spotlights a character who is seen as an outsider, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding and isolation within society.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story
Psychoanalytic Theory	Analyzes characters’ motivations, desires, and psychological conflicts.	Wing Biddlebaum’s fear and self-doubt stemming from past trauma with the boys in Pennsylvania.
Feminist Theory	Explores gender roles, power dynamics, and representations of women.	The unnamed female characters, such as the berry pickers, whose voices and actions are secondary to those of the male characters.
Marxist Theory	Focuses on social class, economic systems, and power structures.	Wing Biddlebaum’s status as a marginalized member of society, relegated to the outskirts of town and ostracized due to his past.
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s interpretation and response to the text.	How different readers may sympathize with or condemn Wing Biddlebaum’s actions based on their own perspectives and life experiences.
New Criticism	Examines the text in isolation, focusing on its formal elements and internal contradictions.	The recurring motif of hands symbolizing Wing Biddlebaum’s internal struggles and external perceptions, such as his desire to conceal them and their association with his past trauma.
Structuralist Theory	Analyzes the underlying structures and patterns within the text.	The repetition of Wing Biddlebaum’s nervous gestures and anxieties, reflecting a deeper pattern of psychological turmoil and societal alienation.
Postcolonial Theory	Explores issues of power, identity, and representation in colonized and marginalized communities.	Wing Biddlebaum’s sense of displacement and isolation, reflecting broader themes of cultural and social dislocation within the small-town setting of Winesburg, Ohio.
Deconstructionist Theory	Challenges binary oppositions and explores ambiguity and paradox in the text.	The blurred boundaries between truth and perception, as exemplified by Wing Biddlebaum’s ambiguous interactions with the boys and the town’s conflicting narratives about him.
Formalist Theory	Focuses on the text’s formal elements, such as structure, imagery, and language.	Anderson’s use of vivid imagery, such as the mustard weeds and the veranda, to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere in Winesburg, Ohio.
Cultural Studies Theory	Considers the text within its cultural, historical, and social contexts.	The portrayal of small-town life in early 20th-century America, with its norms, prejudices, and social hierarchies, influencing characters’ behaviors and interactions.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Topics	Questions	Thesis Statements
Isolation and Loneliness	How does the story portray Wing Biddlebaum’s isolation and loneliness?	Sherwood Anderson’s ‘Hands’ explores the profound loneliness and isolation experienced by Wing Biddlebaum, driven by a combination of self-consciousness, social ostracization, and the burden of past accusations.
Misunderstanding and Perception	How do rumors and societal judgment contribute to Wing’s suffering?	In ‘Hands,’ Sherwood Anderson argues that misunderstanding and snap judgments based on appearances can have devastating consequences, as seen in the tragic case of Wing Biddlebaum.
The Grotesque and Self-Expression	How does Sherwood Anderson use the concept of the grotesque to depict Wing’s character?	Sherwood Anderson’s portrayal of Wing Biddlebaum in ‘Hands’ exemplifies the grotesque, where a gentle soul’s inability to express himself leads to social isolation and a distorted perception by society.
Human Connection and Longing	What is the significance of touch and Wing’s longing for connection?	Through Wing Biddlebaum’s character in ‘Hands,’ Sherwood Anderson emphasizes the fundamental human need for connection and the pain of emotional isolation, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

• What is the significance of hands in “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson?
• In “Hands,” hands symbolize both the protagonist’s past trauma and his present isolation. Wing Biddlebaum’s hands, once expressive and nurturing, become sources of fear and shame after he is falsely accused of inappropriate behavior by a student. His constant attempts to conceal his hands reflect his desire to hide from his past and the judgment of others. For example, Wing’s nickname and reputation in Winesburg are derived from his hands, which both define him and contribute to his alienation from society.
• How does the theme of loneliness manifest in “Hands”?
• Loneliness pervades “Hands” as Wing Biddlebaum grapples with the consequences of his past and his inability to connect with others. Despite his longing for companionship, Wing remains isolated, unable to escape the shadow of his traumatic experiences. For instance, his friendship with George Willard offers a brief respite from his solitude, but even this connection is fraught with tension and misunderstanding. Wing’s loneliness is further emphasized by his solitary existence on the outskirts of town and his futile attempts to reach out to others, highlighting the pervasive theme of isolation in the narrative.
• What role does societal judgment play in “Hands”?
• Societal judgment acts as a catalyst for Wing Biddlebaum’s isolation and internal turmoil in “Hands.” Following false accusations of misconduct, Wing becomes an outcast in Winesburg, shunned by the community and haunted by the past. The town’s collective condemnation of Wing perpetuates his sense of alienation and reinforces his feelings of inadequacy. For example, the saloon keeper’s violent reaction to Wing’s alleged transgressions reflects the town’s harsh judgment and its willingness to ostracize those deemed different or deviant.
• How does Sherwood Anderson employ symbolism in “Hands”?
• Sherwood Anderson utilizes symbolism, particularly through the motif of hands, to convey deeper themes and character traits in “Hands.” Wing Biddlebaum’s hands serve as a metaphor for his internal struggles and external perceptions, representing both his past trauma and his present isolation. For instance, Wing’s constant attempts to conceal his hands mirror his desire to hide from his past and the judgment of others. Additionally, the recurring image of hands underscores the theme of communication and the barriers that prevent genuine connection between individuals in the narrative.

Literary Works Similar to “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

1. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: Like “Hands,” this short story delves into the psyche of its protagonist, who grapples with guilt and paranoia after committing a crime. Both narratives explore the psychological effects of past actions on the present.
2. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This story also deals with themes of confinement and mental health, as the protagonist struggles against the societal expectations imposed upon her. Similarly, “Hands” examines the consequences of societal judgment on the individual.
3. “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner: Faulkner’s tale explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the passage of time in a small Southern town. Like “Hands,” it delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of social norms on individual lives.
4. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: This story examines themes of alienation and existential despair through the character of Bartleby, who resists conforming to societal expectations. Similarly, “Hands” portrays a protagonist who struggles to fit in due to past trauma and societal judgment.

Suggested Readings about/on “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

• Critical Essays: Search for critical essays on “Hands” in literary databases like JSTOR or Project Muse. Focus on essays published in reputable academic journals. Look for analyses that resonate with your own interpretation of the story.
• Rideout, Walter B. Sherwood Anderson: A Writer in America, Volume 1. The Ohio State University Press, 2006.
• “A Study Guide for Sherwood Anderson’s ‘Hands’.” Gale Cengage Learning Literature Resource Center. Gale, Cengage Learning. (Access this through your library’s database, as a direct link cannot be provided)

Representative Quotations from “Hands” by Sherwood Anderson

Quote	Context / Theorization
“Upon the half decayed veranda of a small frame house that stood near the edge of a ravine near the town of Winesburg, Ohio, a fat little old man walked nervously up and down.”	Sets the scene, establishing the desolate atmosphere surrounding Wing Biddlebaum’s house. It portrays the physical decay mirroring Wing’s internal turmoil.
“The story of Wing Biddlebaum is a story of hands. Their restless activity, like unto the beating of the wings of an imprisoned bird, had given him his name.”	Highlights the significance of hands in Wing’s life, symbolizing his inner struggle and isolation, serving as a constant reminder of his past trauma and societal rejection.
“Also they made more grotesque an already grotesque and elusive individuality.”	Reflects the townspeople’s perception of Wing’s hands as abnormal, further alienating him from society and exacerbating his sense of otherness.
“I must be getting along home. I can talk no more with you.”	Wing’s abrupt departure after attempting to caress George Willard demonstrates his fear of intimacy and his struggle to connect with others due to his past trauma.
“There’s something wrong, but I don’t want to know what it is. His hands have something to do with his fear of me and of everyone.”	George Willard’s realization encapsulates the pervasive fear and misunderstanding surrounding Wing’s hands, illustrating how they contribute to his isolation.
“In his youth Wing Biddlebaum had been a school teacher in a town in Pennsylvania. He was not then known as Wing Biddlebaum, but went by the less euphonic name of Adolph Myers.”	Provides insight into Wing’s past and the events that led to his ostracization from society, shedding light on the source of his trauma.
“With lanterns in their hands a dozen men came to the door of the house where he lived alone and commanded that he dress and come forth.”	The violent expulsion from his previous town further emphasizes Wing’s status as an outcast, reinforcing the theme of societal rejection and persecution.
“He had been ill for a year after the experience in Pennsylvania, and after his recovery worked as a day laborer in the fields, going timidly about and striving to conceal his hands.”	Wing’s efforts to conceal his hands reflect his shame and desire to avoid scrutiny, illustrating the lasting impact of past trauma on his psyche.
“Although he did not understand what had happened he felt that the hands must be to blame.”	Demonstrates Wing’s internalized guilt and self-blame, revealing the psychological toll of societal condemnation and persecution.
“The nervous expressive fingers, flashing in and out of the light, might well have been mistaken for the fingers of the devotee going swiftly through decade after decade of his rosary.”	The imagery of Wing’s hands engaging in rapid, repetitive motions highlights his inner turmoil and the cyclical nature of his trauma, suggesting a perpetual state of penance and suffering.