Hands Summary

Wing is a fat little old man who waits on his veranda, watching berry pickers pass. His hands move over his bald head as if he were fixing his hair, though he doesn't have any. Wing is constantly fearful. He feels isolated from the residents of Winesburg. His only friend is George Willard, son of Tom Willard, who runs the New Willard House. George is a reporter for the Winesburg Eagle. Wing is waiting on his porch, hoping that George will visit, as he often does. Wing watches the road, walking down to look down for George. When Wing spends time with George, Wing loses some of his timidity and his personality emerges.

Wing uses his hands extensively when talking. His hands move like birds' wings, hence his name. He tries to hide them, but they are like a security blanket when he...