Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
It's a fact: everyone loves the movie Titanic.
Don't be ashamed, though: in A Thousand Splendid Suns, the entire city of Kabul catches "Titanic fever," too (3.41.12). The phenomenon sweeps the city even amidst a violent crackdown by the Taliban against illegal media. These people risked life and limb just to watch Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet make out.
The question, of course, is why?
We think that Laila has it right when she says that "everybody wants Jack" to come and save them (3.41.19). At this point in the novel, Kabul itself is a sinking ship and the frightened citizens feel trapped. They can see that the war and drought will inevitably get worse, but each person is secretly hoping that someone will come along and save them. Afghanistan might feel like a hopeless cause at this point, but there's still a chance for personal salvation.
However, we don't quite agree when Laila claims that "Jack is not coming back" to save them (3.41.19). Laila eventually finds her savior in Mariam who, like Jack from Titanic, sacrifices her life so that Laila and her children can live on. At the close of the novel, it even looks like Titanic City might not end up sinking after all.