Would Duke be as memorable without his tattoos?
- Shrabastee Chakraborty
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Re: Would Duke be as memorable without his tattoos?
- Shrabastee Chakraborty
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Precisely. Visual appearance is what catches our attention first, even before getting to know them. We readers are familiar with Duke's abilities and principles and such, hence consider him a remarkable man in those aspects. But someone entering a sideshow or walking down a busy road will definitely notice him for his tattoos (and sword-swallowing, of course). The tattoos make him stand out among a crowd as well as portrays his attitude.KRay93 wrote: ↑30 May 2018, 18:53 For anyone who engages in a conversation with him (or, in our case, for everyone who reads him), it will be clear that his personality is what makes his character. Now, for a viewer within the fictional world of this book, his visual appearance, and his tattoos would help to attract more viewers, out of his particular talent.
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My thoughts, precisely! As a performer on the streets, he needs the attention. Since tattooing was not at all common at that time, his body adorned by a lot of them would certainly be an eye-catcher. Also, I agree that it took him enormous courage to sport so many tattoos, knowing the stigma attached to it. But then, he never lacked courage!cristinaro wrote: ↑31 May 2018, 05:36 I don't think Duke would be half as memorable without his tattoos. At the time, tattoos were reserved for sailors, criminals and circus freaks, in other words, as the author metaphorically writes, to "the few brave souls who had enough courage to withstand the social stigma." The fact that he chooses to have so many tattoos on his body is an act of courage and a decision he knew would generate various reactions from bewilderment to disgust. It is also his means of acknowledging the circus people as his family since his tattoos represented either iconic images of the circus life or the famous tattoo designs worn by tattooed men throughout the 20th century. As a sword swallower, he does need people's stares, so tattooing is also part of his strategy to attract a larger audience. It ultimately becomes an expression of his vivid personality and both other characters in the book and readers alike will not imagine Duke without his tattoos.
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I think it's a bit nasty to query someones impact based on their tattoos. But I think, without the tattoos, another physical feature would've struck, as is the case with all people. Perhaps people would notice his eyes, or his hands etc.
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agreedScrawling Pen wrote: ↑20 Aug 2019, 00:40 For the reader, I think that Duke's personality is more important than his tattoos. They are definitely an important part of his life, but his bold and unique personality are what people notice.
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I agree with you.kfwilson6 wrote: ↑08 May 2018, 13:23 I think his tattoos really added to the intrigue that surrounded him. They made him even more unique and "dangerous." I don't think he would have been as widely recognized without the tattoos. I do agree with CatInTheHat though that they would have such a huge impact today.