Contributed by UTSA Political Science graduate
student, Dagoberto Chavez.
The dinner scene from James Cameron’s Titanic well symbolizes
the negotiated nature of prestige in the context of social interaction. Jack
(played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is introduced by Rose (played by Kate Winslet) to
her family, friends, and very well-off acquaintances. Immediately, Cal (the
pompous fiancé of Jack’s love interest, Rose) asserts his superiority by
telling Jack that he “could almost pass for a gentleman,” thus reminding Jack
of his low social status both in life and at dinner. Before sitting to eat,
Rose begins to “educate” Jack about just who is in their presence in terms of
wealth and power. Rose’s embedded culture of the Upper Class is highlighted.
Jack, a carefree wandering peasant, is in the presence of high esteemed Royals
and Ambassadors. This is further reinforced through dialogue at the dinner
table when Cal introduces Jack by stating that he is joining them from the
“third class.” This is not only a reference to Jack’s sleeping quarters on the
ship, but an unsubtle characterization of Jack’s social status--highlighted
again as Jack confusingly looks down at his silverware set and asks whether or
not they are ALL meant for him. The scene concludes with a brief conversation
about Jack’s living conditions and travel opportunities as Jack describes how
he is able to make ends meet while abroad. it is apparent that some at the
table disapprove of his way of life, especially through the symbolic
representation of Rose’s mother sipping a glass of champagne after making a
snarky comment about whether or not Jack finds his “rootless existence
appealing.” Here, we see Jack uphold his honor with modesty and feigned
upper-class swagger.
Social Negotiation
Jack’s ability to defend himself while surrounded by
upper-class individuals illustrates Cameron’s attempt to frame Jack as the
primary protagonist. Jack’s ease in dealing effectively with a challenging
social situation suggests the hero’s cool under fire. More importantly for our
purposes, Cameron uses this characterization to show that status is not fixed,
but negotiated. Although Jack is objectively poor, he maintains his dignity
through social negotiation. As a proud, card-carrying member of the working
class, Jack never abandons his roots as he admits to his status as third class.
In so doing, he asserts himself as an authentic individual in contrast to the
pretentious others at the table. He establishes this as an exclusive accolade
for those of the lower class.
Dramaturgy & The Titanic
Dramaturgy, a concept developed by the late sociologist
Erving Goffman, holds that social life is a never-ending play. Individuals
interpret their role on the basis of impression management mechanisms--Social
Setting, Appearance, and Manner of Interaction.
+Social Setting
Social settings can determine how one acts and reacts to
stimuli. This can be conveyed by the type of objects present and how they are
set up. Essentially, this will determine role expectations and limitations. For
instance, during the dinner scene with Jack, Rose, and her family, the setting
is in first class during a very fancy dinner. This is expressed by the type of
music playing, draperies and furnishings, and the food being served. Further,
the placement of the silverware and the offering of caviar, a prestigious dish,
reinforces this mechanism.
+Appearance
According to Goffman, clothing, physical stature, race, and
stereotypes are the primary stimulants for appearance. All the men, including
the waiters, are wearing tuxedos, an outfit associated with prestige and power.
An additional layer of appearance used here can be seen through the use of
stereotypes. As Rose introduces Jack to the many prestigious characters around
them, she does so through the use of their titles rather than their names
alone. It is clearly established that they are in the presence of very
important people, indeed Dukes and Senators. Although they only appear in the
background for a moment, the viewer is able to see Jack interpret this
information through his body language and facial expressions. Hence, the stimuli
of stereotypes successfully conveyed to Jack his role and the expectations
associated with said role. Additionally, Jack was blatantly instructed to act
as if he owned a “goldmine because they love money;” Here, the use of
stereotypes is reinforced by the blatant use of admitting how an expectation
needs to be met.
+Manner of Interacting
According to Goffman, individuals interact with one another
in ways to convey how they want to portray themselves. One way of establishing
this is through the use of body language, which is quite apparent in the scene.
For example, as Jack, Rose, and others walk throughout the dining area their
stature is clearly poised and proper. As Goffman would say, they seem as though
they are on a stage acting out a play. Every move is calculated and precise. To
say that their interactions are casual suggests the polar opposite of the mood
and setting.
Face Work /Interaction Ritual & The Titanic
Virtually in every interaction, a person acts in ways
consistent to that of their Line. According to Goffman, Line is everything
people say or do to express their perspective of a situation, the others, and
themselves via other individuals. Essentially, Line is the judgement of
everything and everyone during a social interaction. Individuals set
expectations for themselves through the use of statements. Their peer’s will
either approve of these statements through praise or deny them through
criticism or silence. Further, this Line is always connected with an
individual’s face. This is the positive social value people claim for
themselves through the use of the Line. Therefore, if one presents a standard
through comments, that standard tends to be associated with that individual’s
face. This theory adds an additional layer of complexity seen during the dinner
scene on the Titanic.
Cal and the other social elites attempt to establish a line
of prestige and superiority. As they develop their line by criticizing Jack’s
status, they attempt to set their stereotype as one above his (the underclass).
They do this by constantly questioning Jack’s “rootless existence” and his
ability to “join” them from the 3rd class. They assert themselves and establish
their own line by labeling Jack as a lesser human being. However, in actuality
they are allowing Jack the opportunity to establish a line critical to theirs.
In response to the criticism, Jack establishes a line superior to that of
theirs by turning negatives into virtues. Jack identifies his lack of stable
living conditions as an opportunity of freedom. Jack’s ability to disassociate
this third class condition as a limitation and associate it with the idea of
opportunity is compelling. He successfully converts a condition exclusive to
the third class and presents it as something unattainable to the upper class.
This ultimately sets his Line above those of presumably greater prestige.
