He forces it upon Ismael, as the proof of his desire. No wonder Ismael burns. Ismael and Tommy have plumbed the depths of abjection. Now they can finally love each other again. The Exquisite Corpse is full of such transformations.
Men turn into women.
Jews become Catholics. New Yorkers suddenly find themselves in the jungle. White people are drawn to those of darker hue. Each character in the novel burns with extravagant desires. And each wears some sort of mask.