What does the phrase "hired hands" refer to in the context of synecdoche?

The phrase "hired hands" in the context of synecdoche is often understood to refer specifically to the workers as individuals. Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa. In this case, "hands" represents the labor or work provided by individuals, suggesting that these workers are valuable to the tasks they perform.

By using the term "hired hands," the focus becomes not just on the physical act of labor but on the actual people who are hired to perform that labor. This encapsulates the idea that the workers themselves — their skills, efforts, and contributions — are being highlighted, rather than just the work they do or the tools they use.

This understanding aligns with how synecdoche operates, as it emphasizes the individual workers behind the collective activity, enhancing the human aspect of labor rather than abstracting it to groups or tools. Thus, the reference to "hired hands" effectively illustrates the relationship between part and whole, staying true to the synecdoche device.