The Bloody Handkerchief Symbol Analysis

The bloody handkerchief that Hamm wears over his face at the beginning and end of the play is a representation of the futile ways that he tries to avoid suffering even though he knows that such misery is inevitable. As soon as the audience sees Hamm, they are met with the image of this handkerchief, which is covered in blood. However, it is never made clear where this blood has come from, though it’s obvious that it’s Hamm’s. What’s interesting, though, is that Hamm primarily uses the handkerchief throughout the play to wipe his glasses, never actually using it to wipe away any blood. In this regard, it becomes part of the odd routine he follows, as he takes off his black glasses, wipes them, and then puts them on again. This is bizarre considering that Hamm is blind and cannot see out of his eyeglasses regardless of if they’re clean—given this, using the handkerchief seems to be a habit that reminds him of when he could see, rather than a practical action. And, for whatever reason, Hamm seems to have a certain fondness for the handkerchief, affectionately calling it “old stancher” (presumably because it has stanched the flow of blood from his body at one point or another). In fact, he addresses the handkerchief at the very end of the play, saying, “Old stancher! [Pause.] You…remain.” In this way, Hamm develops an attachment to the handkerchief. In turn, the handkerchief symbolizes not only his desperate attempt to keep suffering at bay (effectively “stanching” it), but also his desire to have something upon which he can rely.