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The Dartmouth
July 15, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

Near, Far, Wherever You Are

C Says: So, P, I saw "Titanic" for the ninth time last night. It was so good, definitely better than the first eight times I saw it.

P Says: Whatever, C, let me tell you from experience that you can only truly appreciate the film after the tenth time. That's when it all finally made sense to me.

C Says: Oh, do you think I should see it again before we talk about it, P? I could go do that.

P Says: No, I think your nine viewing experiences will give you sufficient background for what I am about to divulge to you about the movie.

C Says: Then by all means, P, go ahead. Why do you think the movie was so meaningful to so many different people?

P Says: Well, C, I can't speak for everyone, but for me, the movie was significant because I felt like I could relate scenes from it to so many parts of my life.

C Says: What do you mean, P? Do you think I can relate it to my life too? That opens up so many new potential avenues of interpretation.

P Says: Like I said, you have to see it 10 times.

C Says: So relate "Titanic" to my life, P. Make it real for me.

P Says: OK, C. Remember the time you told me you were going to the stacks to finish your economics problem set, and I wanted you to stay in the reserves with me but you insisted that you needed access to a window?

C Says: Right, P, that's because I wanted the option of jumping out of it after I had worked on the assignment for over 24 hours.

P Says: Exactly. Well, isn't it clear then?

C Says: Isn't what clear, P?

P Says: Open your mind, C. You were Rose at that moment and your economics professor was Jack. You were prepared to give up, but he blitzed you just at the right moment and gave you an extension and a reason to go on. Are you beginning to understand the far-reaching implications of this movie to everyone's everyday life?

C Says: Sort of ... give me another example to clear up any ambiguities that may still be lingering in my mind.

P Says: OK, C. Try to remember last week when you became obsessed with that guy but you thought he was totally wrong for you. You were from different classes, just like Jack and Rose; you are a '99, and he's an '01, you're an English major, and he doesn't have one yet, you're in a sorority, and he can't get served at a fraternity, his D plan will keep him away all of next year, and you're graduating before he gets back. But I told you that all those things didn't matter and that true love would overcome.

C Says: Yeah, what's your point? Did he transfer or something? I haven't seen him since that first time we met.

P Says: Never mind. Bad example.

C Says: Wait, P! I think I'm finally catching on to your insightful and eye-opening analysis of the movie. Everything has so much more meaning for me now. Remember when I got my housing assignment, and I started to cry because I was put in the River, and you and everyone else lived on the opposite side of campus in the Lodge?

P Says: Yeah?

C Says: Well, don't you see? Isn't it crystal clear?

P Says: No.

C Says: Remember when Celine Dion belts out, "Near, far, wherever you are ..." See, you were right! It doesn't matter where I live!

P Says: Please, C. Don't trivialize the movie like that with your juvenile explanation. That has nothing to do with anything. You live in the River because you have a bad housing number. It's that simple. Go see "Titanic" again.

C Says: OK.