"Dirt"

why Maximus picks up the dirt and and lets it fall through his fingers
In the first he pick up the dirt it is like give him more courage or victory and where is he from.
In the second lets it fall through his fingers. he was a farmer in his country because he had long time doesn't go back his home about two year. he is missing his wife and son. so he had had daydream want to be a framer and see his family as soon as possible.