Throughout his life, Parker searches for meaning through the acquisition of tattoos. When he first sees a tattooed man as a young boy, he notes that the colorful design on his skin seems to have a “subtle motion of its own” (513). The tattoos are described as an intricate network of designs, all moving together in harmony, which reflects the spiritual idea of unity or oneness of all creation. Before this moment Parker has been simply existing, without any thought or concern for the deeper meaning of existence. But at this moment, he sees the tattoos as something mystical and powerful and feels compelled to imitate the tattooed man to add meaning to his life. He begins to accumulate a network of tattoos in imitation of the man at the fair, hoping that they will bring him a sense of inner satisfaction and completeness.

However, Parker is not fully satisfied with the acquisition of tattoos. He changes tactics, instead of picking designs of “lifeless ones like anchors and crossed rifles” (514), he begins to select designs of vibrant animals and powerful figures. Still, the narrator says, “something about it that had attracted him would wear off” (514), and he would once again find himself dissatisfied.