He's got hands so long and white and dainty I think they carved each other out of soap, and sometimes they get loose and glide around in front of him free as two white birds until he notices them and traps them between his knees; it bothers him that he's got pretty hands.
The quote describes the character's hands in an exaggerated, almost whimsical manner, suggesting they are unusually long, pale, and delicate. The imagery of the hands appearing to glide around like birds implies a sense of freedom and elusiveness, but also highlights the character's discomfort with their beauty. This juxtaposition indicates a deeper struggle with self-image and societal expectations.
This passage reflects the broader themes of individuality and conformity present in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The character's pretty hands symbolize a conflict between personal identity and the need to fit into a constrained world. This internal tension mirrors the novel's exploration of mental health and the constraints imposed by society.
