Suffocating Depth: A Feminist Approach Critique Paper on Titanic (1997)

Suffocating Depth: A Feminist Approach Critique Paper on Titanic (1997)

     The catastrophe of the Titanic shipwreck became one of the century's most documented and investigated historical events. There are a lot of movies and documentaries surrounding this tragedy. One film is set apart from the rest because of its romantic plotline. The viewers are given the perspective of two fictional characters who experienced the shipwreck. The movie reveals much about classism and gender inequality. Although this film highlights disparity between social classes, it also emphasizes on how tyrannic society is against women. Since it was set in 1912, there are issues regarding the treatment of men and women, which the paper will discuss through the feminist approach.

 

   In the beginning, we are shown how women are treated like objects. Rose was brought up in “old money” ways until her father died, leaving their family nothing but a good name. She compares the Titanic to a ship slave because it is going to chain her to her fiance, whom she is forced to marry. Tying the knot with Cal Hockley was not something she wanted because she was only going to marry him for money and survival. Furthermore, there is a concerning age difference between Rose and her fiance Hockley. Rose was a 17-year-old girl, while on the other hand, Cal was a 30-year-old man. People at that time viewed it as a normal thing, but it's just a show on how men like to sexualize and prefer younger women, for they view them as innocent little beings who are incapable of doing their own thing and will only listen to them, acting like a submissive dog, and when they get old, they will disregard them as useless as a broken clock.

 

   A notable scene was after the dinner held at the dining hall for Class A passengers, where the men left the women on their table for a drink and to talk about politics and business, indicating their misogynistic behavior. This shows how they think less of women, and instead of including them in their conversation, they purposely left them out. During their time, success stories of women were not seen and recognised. It only put a spotlight on how men were the ‘greatest' and 'smartest’ beings at that time.

 

   In the film, Rose's evolving wardrobe serves as a significant symbol. During the era depicted, corsets were both undergarments and shapers of a flattering figure. Rose's consistent use of these constricting garments throughout the movie symbolizes her feeling of being trapped by societal expectations. She often accentuates her constriction with a belt. Notably, there is one outfit she wears without a corset, which she dons while hiding from Hockley and during the Titanic's sinking. This particular attire represents her sense of freedom with Jack, ironically experienced amidst the impending disaster. Despite her family's reduced wealth, Rose must continue wearing expensive and beautiful garments, reflecting her efforts to maintain appearances and conform to societal norms while simultaneously striving to regain her personal freedom and identity.

  In contrast, Jack’s wardrobe is simpler. He is dressed in comfortable long-sleeved shirts, corduroy pants, and a coat. Even at the age of 20, he has traveled a lot, conveying his free-spirited and spontaneous nature, which Rose couldn’t possibly do because she was always controlled. The one time he had to change was during the dinner scene, where he had to conform to high society’s standards. The juxtaposition between men's and women’s clothing indicates how the two are treated unequally.

    Up until the tragedy, Jack was the luckiest man alive. Jack Dawson is the embodiment of how men can get far enough, even if they just pretend. Though he was seen as a poor man, he wouldn’t have gotten away with most of the things he did if he were a woman. When Rose almost jumped from the deck and he helped her, they ended up in an uncomfortable position, making others think he was assaulting her. However, Rose's quick clarification that it was an accident ensures that he is let off the hook, even leading to an invitation to dinner with the upper-class passengers. This illustrates the advantages and privileges men could enjoy in society, highlighting Jack as a fortunate example who seemed to be "the king of the world" in his circumstances.

 

    When Mrs. Dewitt Bukater talks Rose into accepting Hockley for marriage, she says, “We’re women. Our choices are never easy.” This line speaks to women everywhere. All throughout, Ruth is portrayed as a cold parent, seemingly pushing her daughter  into a marriage with Hockley for her own benefit. However, beneath this facade, Ruth's intention is to shield Rose from a life she believes her daughter doesn't deserve. In a pivotal moment, Rose initially rejects Jack, but witnessing a young girl being groomed to conform to societal expectations for women prompts her to reconsider. This scene vividly illustrates the rigid expectations placed on women in the 1910s, where young girls were coerced into roles as perfect wives and mothers, even against their own desires.

    In the end, when the Titanic was slowly going down, the lifeboats that could have held 70 men maximum were used mainly by women and children. Even amid a crisis, gender became the basis for who to save. Records show that 80% of the passengers who died were men. This was the direct result of insufficient lifeboats and prioritizing women and children instead of giving everyone the chance to get on them. This system cost the lives of most passengers on the ship. If only they let anyone on the lifeboats, more people could have been saved.

 

 

    In conclusion, the 1997 film "Titanic" highlights the gender bias prevalent in society during that era, where women were subjected to criticism, judgment, and pressure to conform to narrow ideals of femininity. It underscores the harsh standards and inequalities that people faced, particularly if they were not affluent white men. Don't expect to get special treatment from society. As one says, "It's a man's world, and we're just living in it" As women were seen as inferior to men, they were the ones who got into the lifeboats first. If a fair system had been created by the crews, no one would have been left behind. Men created their fate because they taught themselves to always be the provider, the giver, and never the receiver.