Would Duke be as memorable without his tattoos?

[Samuel Waragu]

The tattoos are part of the Duke as we see him but even without them, he would still stand out. This is due to his character and acts witnessed throughout the novel.

[samiam013]

Duke's personality is what did it for me while reading the book. Now, during the time the book is set in, I do think that his tattoos would have made him stand out much more than his personality.

[kwahu]

Since we find diverse preferences within the same audience, I would say that both Duke's personality and tattoos play a big part in his popularity.

[Cher432]

No, I think that his tattoos are an integral part of his character and he communicates to others through them.

[Shrabastee]

Looks are the first thing that you will notice after meeting someone,even before you get to know them. And as we all know, first impressions are often last impressions. I believe getting tattoos was a deliberate choice on Duke's part to portray his out-of-the-norm attitude. In a time where tattooing was frowned upon and was considered in association with lawlessness (among other things), it was a courageous feat for Duke to have his body adorned by tattoos. But then, he never lacked courage, did he?

[Shrabastee]

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.

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.

[Shrabastee]

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.

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!

[Hiruni Bhagya 81]

He'd be famous even without his tattoos because sword swallowing is extremely uncommon and hard task. But, it was easy for him to gain an audience with his tattoos which were uncommon at that time. So, maybe it might have factored in his famousness and it definitely would have factored in his instant recognizability.

[supernatural143]

It was Duke's personality and skill in sword swallowing that made him recognizable. His tattoos are just an awesome addition. Those are memorable for him.

[Scrawling Pen]

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.

[10mile72]

He might be as memorable, but the cover wouldn't be as cool.

[WardahEbrahim]

Lol
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.

[WardahEbrahim]

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.

agreed

[Reader-247]

Tattoos are a sure way to grab someone's attention, having said that tattoos, a lot of them on a single person are fairly common these days. So tattoos can be only be enough to catch someone's attention but the personality must be there to keep hold of the attention.

[Yj_Besoy]

Yes. He can be as memorable without his tattoos because what he is remembered by is his art in sword swallowing. His tattoos can be considered as a second thing to remember him by.