Mad Men: Why do Betty Draper's hands shake?

The available evidence suggests that Betty Draper's hands shaking on the television show Mad Men is a recurring symptom that is not explicitly explained in the series. The shaking hands serve as a plot device, foreshadowing an accident that Betty experiences later in the episode. Possible reasons for Betty's hands shaking include psychosomatic symptoms related to her emotional distress, repressed feelings, unhappiness as a housewife, and the influence of societal expectations on women during the 1960s. It is also suggested that Betty's smoking habit may contribute to her declining health. Ultimately, the shaking hands represent the internal struggles and societal pressures faced by women in that era. Additionally, it is revealed that Betty has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, adding another layer to her character and highlighting her complex journey throughout the series.Analysis:Betty Draper's shaking hands serve as a powerful metaphor for her internal struggles and the constraints placed upon her by society. From the evidence presented, it is clear that Betty is a woman who experiences immense emotional turmoil, whether it be grieving the death of her mother, discovering her husband's infidelity, or feeling unfulfilled as a housewife. The shaking hands can be seen as a physical manifestation of the emotional stress she carries, as it often accompanies moments of intense anxiety or distress.One theory is that Betty's shaking hands are a psychosomatic symptom, meaning they arise from underlying psychological factors rather than a definitive physical cause. This theory aligns with the evidence that suggests Betty's emotional state, such as her grief and unhappiness, may be contributing to her tremors. Psychosomatic symptoms are not uncommon, and it is possible that Betty's internal conflicts and repressed emotions are manifesting in her shaking hands.Another theory is that Betty's smoking habit may be a contributing factor to her declining health, including her shaking hands. The show heavily emphasizes the prevalence of smoking during the 1960s, and many characters are shown smoking in various situations. Smoking is known to have negative health effects, particularly on the lungs, and it is possible that Betty's prolonged smoking habit has led to her developing a related condition that causes her hands to shake.Furthermore, the evidence suggests that society's expectations placed upon women during the 1960s play a significant role in Betty's internal struggles and physical symptoms. As a housewife, she is expected to conform to a specific ideal of perfection and maintain a facade of happiness and contentment. However, beneath the surface, Betty is grappling with her own desires and ambitions, which are suppressed by the limitations of her role. Her shaking hands can be seen as a form of rebellion against these societal expectations, a physical representation of the strain she feels between conforming and seeking personal freedom.In contrast to theories that attribute Betty's shaking hands to psychological or societal factors, there is one mention of carpal tunnel syndrome as a possible explanation. Betty later discovers that she is pregnant, and carpal tunnel syndrome can occur during pregnancy. However, this theory is only briefly mentioned, and there is not enough evidence provided to substantiate it as the definitive cause of Betty's shaking hands.In conclusion, the shaking hands of Betty Draper in Mad Men hold symbolic significance and represent her internal struggles and the societal pressures faced by women during the 1960s. While the evidence does not provide a concrete explanation for the cause of the shaking hands, theories surrounding psychosomatic symptoms, smoking-related health issues, and societal expectations shed light on Betty's character and the complex nature of her journey throughout the series. Ultimately, the shaking hands serve as a poignant representation of Betty's emotional distress and her battle to break free from the confines of her restrictive life.