In Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," a conversation takes place that reflects the social norms and expectations of the time. A character poses a hypothetical situation about a lady insisting on something. The response is thought-provoking and challenges the idea of what qualifies someone as a true lady, suggesting that insistence undermines those societal conventions.

This exchange highlights the tension between traditional gender roles and individual assertiveness. It sheds light on the cultural context of the early 20th century, where social status and behavior were sharply scrutinized, revealing deeper insights into character dynamics within the story.