The Lusitania was originally a passenger liner, designed for speed and luxury, yet it had a hull reinforced for battle, reflecting the tensions of its time. This design symbolizes the dual nature of the ship, as it catered to travelers while also embodying a military presence, hinting at the precarious balance between peace and conflict during its voyages.

In Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," the story highlights the tragic fate of this vessel, which was ultimately caught in the crosshairs of wartime hostility. The juxtaposition of its elegant purpose and its formidable construction underscores the irony of its demise, revealing how advancements in maritime technology could not shield it from the drastic realities of World War I.