When the apricots represent Oliver's deepest and most hidden fragments of identity, and Oliver "trying to learn all he could about Anchise's grafts" shows his determination in understanding his contradictory bits of himself, that don't meet his confident, tan caubois mannerisms. Furthermore, the apricots were "larger, fleshier, jucier than most apricots in the region". Indicating his understanding of his identity allowed him to mature into such a beautiful fruit.

The skin motif comes up once again, where he appreciates and obsesses over the parts of Oliver that haven't been exposed, that haven't been shown, the multi-dimensionality of Oliver (?). Specifically, he fantasises about biting into the apricot, which he compares to Oliver's ass. This connects a desire for intimacy and a selfish (?) knowledge of the other regarding the dimensions of their identity. "Apricate" is to sunbathe.