Fa Mlan A Hero's Journey Analysis

D i s n e y ’ s M u l a n s h o w c a s e s a H e r o ’ s J o u r n e y t h r o u g h t h e l i f e o f F a M u l a n , a y o u n g woman from rural China who feels repressed by her family’s and community’s cultural values and expectations. Fa Mulan is a proto­feminist hero whose quest to discover her true identity exhibits the various characteristics and stages of a Hero’s Journey.
In China where women are viewed as mere objects, homemakers, and child bearers, Mulan struggles to find her place in the feminine role of her community which motivates her to find her true self. After failing the local matchmaker’s test, Mulan is overwhelmed with the feelings of inadequacy which is expressed through the song R eflection. She is torn between s t a y i n g t r u e t o h e r s e l f a n d c o n f o r m i n g t o h e r C h i n e s e v a l u e s . R e f l e c t i o n i g n i t e s a y e a r n i
During this time, she reflects on her true motives of entering the Chinese army and further bolsters the idea that her journey is a quest for identity by saying, “maybe I didn’t go for my father. Maybe what I really wanted was to prove I could do things right. So when I look at the mirror, I’d see someone worthwhile” (M ulan) . She subconsciously took her father’s place to discover who she really is and validate that her true self is valuable. During the innermost cave, she once again uses her intellectual skills to defeat Shan Yu, the leader of the Huns force and restores peace to all of China. Returning home with a medal of honor and the sword of her fallen enemy represents the stage of the return and reintegration with society. She fulfills her traditional female role by marrying General Li Shang, and she is able to do so without compromising her identity. She not only brings honor to her family but also demonstrates her growth as a woman and