Hands, by Sherwood Anderson, tells the story of Wing Biddlebaum, a unique individual who becomes so overcome by his oddities that he is fearful of everyone and even himself. The way those around him respond to his methods of teaching and interacting shape his emotional state into a fearful excitement that consumes him. This story is an example of how important it is for an individual to be comfortable with the quirks and special talents they have been given.

Biddlebaum was punished for doing what came naturally to him, and he ended up becoming repressed and nearly crazy as a result. What amazing things could Biddlebaum have done with the children had he not been falsely accused, beaten, and run out of town? He had a gift with people and a special way of interacting with those around him, but it was wasted when he became scared to...