The ubiquitous love triangle in Titanic forced the spirited Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) to choose between two completely dissimilar men; her fiancé the ambitious Caledon Hockley (Billy Zane), and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) the charming artist. Some viewers felt the love story took precedence over the emotional turmoil already inherent to the maritime disaster, but it remains one of the most famous of all cinematic romances.
To properly judge Rose's decision, fans have to put aside the Hollywood cliche of the young woman choosing a penniless suitor because he truly loves her over a wealthy one because he wishes to possess her. Likewise, no honest critique would be valid without clarifying that Rose's personal safety was of utmost importance, and no amount of abuse was acceptable or tolerable. To truly contemplate Rose's pick, fans must consider the time period in which the film takes place, and the subjective nature of selecting passion over practicality.
CAL: He Was Sophisticated
Cal Hockley looked the part of the perfect 20th century gentleman, cutting a dashing figure in his waistcoats and starched collars. Every garment he wore fit snug, as only a gentleman could afford to get his garments professional tailored. Coming from an old money family that gained its affluence through Pittsburgh steel, he was expected to telegraph his wealth in his style of dress.
He also practiced the urbane manners of his era, which while stringent in equanimity, could be exceedingly charming. Besides, it doesn't get any more sophisticated than surviving a sinking ship still wearing white tie.
JACK: He Respected Her
Unlike her fiancé, Jack was curious about Rose's opinion, and encouraged her to speak her mind whether it was appropriate or not. He never belittled her thoughts, and certainly not in front of other people.
Jack supported Rose developing her own ideas about everything, from global politics to Dr. Sigmund Freud's theories about sexuality. Most importantly, he would never have laid a hand on her for being free spirited.
CAL: He Supported Her Interests Even Though He Didn't Share Them
While their stateroom was being set up, Rose unpacked several paintings by Picasso. Cal mocked them, declaring loudly that the prolific painter "wouldn't amount to a thing," to which Rose replied: "The difference between Cal's taste in art and mine is that I have some." Their exchange conveyed a number of enlightening things.
One, that he chose to support her interests and purchase paintings for her despite having no interest in them himself. Two, that on occasion he could turn a blind eye to personal insults against him without being melodramatic. And three, that he didn't decide where they would be hung, thereby approving of her artistic sense with the understanding that she had expertise where he did not.
JACK: He Made Her Feel Safe
Like many women in society, Rose was inundated with obligations that felt meaningless and vapid. She longed for an existence with purpose; one that enriched her soul and made her feel weightless instead of hopelessly tethered.
When she was around Jack, she felt free of the responsibilities of being a "good wife" and "dutiful daughter." Jack never expected her to behave in a particular way, so she could cast propriety to the wind whenever she was with him.
CAL: He Offered Her Security
Early 20th century society prevented women from making their own living, thereby making them totally dependent on a man's income. Whether by law or by custom, women were barred from entering into professions and trades that allowed them to support themselves, so Cal offered the sort of security that Rose would need to live the lifestyle she was accustomed to.
Being a Pittsburgh steel tycoon, he was not only incredibly rich but well-connected. He could have helped Rose either escape or elevate her own social fluidity. She had networking opportunities being associated with him that far exceeded most women of the time period.
JACK: He Introduced Her To New Experiences
Dancing in steerage, becoming a nude model - these were just some of the exciting new experiences Rose had while cavorting with Jack around the ship. He promised many more, from ice fishing and ferris-wheel rides, to spitting off the pier of Atlantic City.
In contrast, high society ensured that Rose would only ever get to relive the same monotonous parties and cotillions for years to come, devoid of the chance to even make herself heard among the cacophonous din of small talk.
CAL: He Helped Her Family Get Free Of Debt
Rose might have had the Dewitt Bukater name, but being a part of aristocracy didn't mean she had the associated affluence. As her mother carefully described, her family was penniless and their good name was all they had to offer someone like Cal Hockley, who had a fortune but no grand moniker.
When he agreed to marry Rose, he assumed her family's debt, which was accrued by her father's poor business decisions. Cal was able to lift Rose and her relatives out of obscurity and though he lost everything during the stock market crash that started the Great Depression, he was still responsible for keeping them from being forced to live in the poor house.
JACK: He Loved Her Passionately
Jack ignited something in Rose that she didn't know she could feel; a passionate awakening that would have been extinguished by a dreary life of societal obligations. He allowed her to develop her own sense of freedom, including sexually.
In the early 20th century, women were supposed to be virtuous, with their chastity prized above their minds. Rose could never be allowed to love as passionately and liberally as she could with Jack, who encouraged her feelings no matter how inappropriate.
CAL: He Loved Her In His Own Way
In his way Cal loved Rose, even if he didn't know how to communicate it beyond treating her like a possession. There were moments when they were alone that he was more liberal with his emotions. He tried to understand her - albeit clumsily - but his plea of, "Open your heart to me, Rose" fell on deaf ears.
It's possible that Rose could have managed to invade layers of patriarchal indoctrination and, over time, helped reshape his worldview into something more progressive and modern.
JACK: He Saved Her Life (In Every Way A Person Can Be Saved)
From their first encounter, when he encouraged her to step back over the rail she intended to throw herself off of, to just before he slipped beneath the waves, Jack worked tirelessly to save Rose's life.
Not only did he ensure she'd go on and lead the life of her dreams, he showed her that she could always save herself. He made her believe in herself, and eradicated all self-doubt and the shackles of popular opinion.