Here's a breakdown of that duality:
Avoidable:
* Pride and hubris: Lord highlights the arrogance of the ship's officers, who underestimated the dangers of the icy waters and ignored warnings about icebergs.
* Lack of preparedness: The Titanic lacked enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew, and many lifeboats were launched only partially full.
* Poor communication: Communication between the bridge and the engine room was flawed, contributing to delays in reversing the ship's course.
Unavoidable:
* Fate and chance: The collision with the iceberg was a freak accident, occurring in the middle of the night in an area where icebergs were not expected.
* The overwhelming scale of the disaster: Even with better preparedness, the vast size of the Titanic and the speed of the sinking would have made it incredibly difficult to evacuate everyone safely.
Lord's book effectively explores the complex interplay of human error and the forces of nature that led to the Titanic's demise. He doesn't simply present a narrative of the sinking; he delves into the decisions, actions, and consequences that shaped the event. This approach allows readers to understand the tragedy not just as a historical event but as a cautionary tale about the dangers of human hubris and the power of fate.