Repression and Frustration

Many characters suffer from repressed sexuality, creativity, or ambition, leading to frustration and wasted lives—exemplified by Wing Biddlebaum's hidden hands, Kate Swift's unfulfilled passion, and Tom Foster's traumatic encounter with sex.

Wing's constant struggle to hide his hands and suppress his natural expressiveness reflects deep repression and frustration.

Elizabeth's stifled dreams and her violent internal struggle against her husband's influence reflect deep frustration and repression.

George's nervousness and the secretive nature of his meeting with Louise reflect the repressed desires and frustrations of small-town life.

Louise Bentley's unhappy marriage and her fits of temper, along with the suppressed lusts of the farm men released only through drink, illustrate the theme of repression and frustration.