Titanic's Appeal: Why does it interest you?

What makes Titanic appealing to people of different ages and interests? The history of civilization is full of events one can find interesting. So why is Titanic the topic many of us choose to obsess about? There are varying answers, but I'm sure there is one underlying theme: the haunting beauty of such a story.  Titanic's story offers cinematic qualities, no matter the person's interests. Hence, why the 1997 film was a monstrous hit. Titanic's lure presents foreshadowing, indulgence, tragedy, romance, climax, etc.

For me, Titanic is a story surrounded by "what ifs." What if Captain Smith heeded other ships' warnings of ice? What if Bruce Ismay wouldn't have pressured Smith into pushing Titanic to go faster? What if the California would have answered Titanic's distress calls? What if Titanic wasn't a floating who's-who of 1912 society? What if there would have been enough lifeboats for all passengers? More importantly, what if the lifeboats would have been loaded to maximum capacity, rather than some being launched more than half empty?

I used to agonize over these questions, plus a dozen others. When most people watch the movie, they tear up when an icy Kate Winslet releases Leo's gorgeous, but frozen hand. Not me. I lose it during the sinking scenes. Okay, I can't lie. I cry throughout the entire movie because it always ends the same way. Every time I hope something will change the plot, the course of history. I mean, can't Hollywood utilize its poetic license? But that's not what happened 98 years ago and that's why I am hysterical when the ship sinks. It is a visual manifestation of actual death. It blows my mind to think passengers suffered through that kind of pain and suffering. It is heart wrenching to think this disaster could have been prevented, or at least lessened. The what ifs drive me crazy.

There is constantly a new topic to explore or discover (no puns intended) with the Titanic. This is why it stays relevant. I'm curious to know why others love the history and stories involving Titanic. If you're a reader who has an opinion on this topic, let me know! Leave a comment and tell me why you're a fan of all things Titanic!