Rose begins the movie by telling us that boarding Titanic felt like boarding a slave ship to her. Now, while comparing Rose's feelings of family obligation to the experiences and history of slavery is extreme, to put it nicely (and offensive, if we're being more direct), that line drives home just how trapped she's feeling.
She's ended up on a path she hates but thinks she can't escape—she believes she has to marry Cal to save her mother/herself from financial ruin, but she really doesn't want to.
Her family bonds and her social class place incredible demands on her to do and be just the right "thing," but she's so passionate, outspoken, and artistic that she basically finds it impossible to play nicely with others in her social set. Luckily, Jack, the poor, free-spirited artist, is totally willing to help her break the mold and misbehave.
Questions about Freedom and Confinement
- Seriously, why draw the comparison to transatlantic slavery? What about her relationship with Cal/her mother made this analogy seem appropriate to Rose/James Cameron?
- What were the key moments that led Rose finally to break from her mother and give into a relationship with Jack?
- Do you think Rose was ever able to reconcile with her mother after being rescued, or do you think freedom meant leaving her old life behind, including her mother?
Chew on This
The fact that Rose gave her name as "Rose Dawson" in New York signaled that she was leaving her old life and family behind.
Jack plays a big part in getting Rose to break free, but it's really watching a little girl get schooled on table manners that pushes Rose over the edge and inspires her to find Jack and make out with him. That's the big moment in which she breaks free.