I’m often asked why I think Titanic has such enduring appeal. Why is it this ship, this tragedy which captures our hearts and imaginations over a century on. Why not the Lusitania, for example, which sank off the coast of Ireland in 1915 after being hit by a German torpedo, with the loss of 1198 civilian lives?
There are many possible reasons why Titanic is ‘the one’. Perhaps it is because, unlike the Lusitania, the Titanic tragedy happened during peace time, which meant that media attention focused on it for longer and in much greater detail. Perhaps it is the fascinating contradictions of social class which were seen on Titanic. Perhaps it is the almost unbelievable chain of events which we now understand led to the disaster. Maybe it is just the heartbreaking stories of hope and loss. I certainly think it has a lot to do with the fact that Titanic happened at just the point in history where technology – radio communication and movies especially – allowed the event to be shared much further and far more rapidly than any such tragedy before.
Of course we have the many books and movies that have re-told the tale on countless occasions since the disaster in 1912, and Dr. Robert Ballard’s discovery of the wreck in 1985 opened up an entirely new aspect of Titanic interest. We could now see Titanic through the murky images from the bottom of the Atlantic. She became real.
But over one hundred years on, it seems that a new – and very wealthy – wave of Titanic enthusiasts have arrived. Two ambitious – and, some might say, controversial – projects will bring Titanic well and truly into the 21st century.
Australian businessman Clive Palmer’s prodigious plan to build Titanic II is rapidly becoming fact, with the first model testing already carried out in Germany in October 2013 and construction planned to take place in China. In a Telegraph Travel article from January 2014, it was reported that Palmer intends to keep accommodation as authentic as possible, and will be offering third-class cabins to the same, cramped dimensions as the original ship. Palmer has also said that there will be no TV or internet access on board and that period dress will be provided should passengers wish to dress up. Would they? Should they?
In another Titanic article written earlier this year, Telegraph Travel also reported that the Chinese have announced plans to build a full-size Titanic replica which will form part of a theme park. This will allow visitors to experience a simulation of the sinking with sound and light effects giving the impression of water coming in. Not for me, thanks.
Unsurprisingly, with announcements like these, the familiar questions arise: is this appropriate? Is this an acceptable way for Titanic to be remembered? Is it insensitive?
Personally, I think the theme park may be going a step too far. I can’t think of anything more terrifying than being placed in a confined space where the threat of imminent drowning is made to feel very real. This part of the Titanic experience I am happy to leave in the darker realms of my imagination. But I cannot deny that I am intrigued by the building of Titanic II. Anyone who has studied Titanic in enough detail to write a novel about her surely cannot help but wonder what she really looked like, what she really felt like. Whether I’d sail on the maiden voyage is another question, but would I like to see her, would I like to walk her promenade deck and walk up the Grand Staircase? Of course I would!
Whatever your own thoughts, the facts are plain to see. Titanic isn’t going away anytime soon. And I cannot help but think that for one more person who develops a fascination with her, maybe one more of her heartbreaking stories, one more of her forgotten passengers might be remembered. And that, perhaps, is the most appropriate Titanic tribute of all.
What do you think?
You might also enjoy this great feature piece from USA Today, which reflects on the many ways Titanic has been covered in the media over the years since the disaster.
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