In "The World According to Garp," author John Irving explores the life of T.S. Garp, whose physical awkwardness serves as a metaphor for his struggles in life. Despite having no physical impairments, Garp's hands appear clumsy, particularly during intimate moments, symbolizing his broader difficulties with human connections and relationships.
This clumsiness in Garp’s actions reflects the awkwardness and challenges he faces throughout his life. It emphasizes how personal insecurities and societal expectations can impact one's ability to navigate intimacy and self-expression.