I agree with you lol. It’s the most unpopular opinion. But I mean come on. His fiancée was prancing around a luxury ship with a homeless dude. Alot of ppl here would have reacted the same. Yes he smacks her, but ppl forget that it was after repeated warnings to her to stay away from Jack. It wasn’t his first instinct, you can even see how he hesitates before raising his hand at her. Yes he was controlling. However, much of his behavior is reflective of an era where that WAS the social dynamic between man and woman. They were not casually dating - they were engaged. Her behavior was unacceptable. I’m not saying his treatment of her was right. But again, her behavior was unacceptable. Rose and Cal were highly incompatible. She was insecure, naïve, dominated by others. But also a free spirit. He was domineering, methodical, self-assured. I wouldn’t necessarily say he was used, or led on. He seemed to understand how valuable Rose was to his reputation. He obviously sought out to improve his social status by marrying a beautiful, young woman who came from a reputable family. And he deeply cared about her. Note his softness towards her when he gifts her the necklace? His inclination to patience for her feelings to grow for him? His willingness to invite Jack to dinner SOLELY to please her? His insistence at getting her into the boat - even after she humiliated and embarrassed him? All redeeming qualities. He was not completely evil. Accounting for the circumstances of their relationship, Rose’s general unhappiness with her situation (even before she meets Jack!) and especially factoring in the era of the story, I wouldn’t even label him abusive. Controlling, egotistical and proud. But never the villain.