Jaggers consistently washes his hands as a symbolic gesture to distance himself from the illicit actions and moral corruption of his clients. This ritual is a prominent characteristic observed in his London office.
The Significance of Hand Washing
Mr. Jaggers's habit of washing his hands goes beyond mere hygiene; it carries a deeper symbolic meaning within the narrative. While at work, particularly in his London office, he engages in this act as a means of self-purification and professional detachment.
- Moral Distancing: The primary reason for his hand washing is to create a clear separation between himself and the misdeeds of the criminals he represents. It's a way for him to psychologically cleanse himself of the moral stain associated with their guilt and nefarious activities. He handles the legal intricacies of their cases but symbolically washes away the "dirt" of their crimes from himself.
- Symbolic Purification: As noted by Pip, his ward and the narrator, Jaggers washes his hands “as if he were a surgeon or a dentist.” This vivid comparison suggests a desire for complete purification. Just as a surgeon meticulously cleanses themselves before an operation to prevent contamination, Jaggers seeks to remove the metaphorical grime or moral impurities stemming from his immersion in the criminal underworld. This act signifies his attempt to remain untainted by the dark elements of his profession.
- Professional Boundaries: This consistent action also reinforces Jaggers's professional detachment. He acts as a formidable legal instrument, dealing with the grimy details of his clients' lives, but physically (and symbolically) washes his hands of their personal guilt or moral responsibility. It's a way for him to maintain a cold, unfeeling objectivity, ensuring he is not personally implicated in their wrongdoings.
This peculiar habit underscores Jaggers's pragmatic and somewhat cynical nature, highlighting his unique method of navigating a morally ambiguous profession without allowing it to personally corrupt or taint him.
