Question
Mulan
Explain the “Tests, Allies, and Enemies” step in the Hero’s Journey. Use evidence from your sources as support. Remember to use an in-text citation to cite your source.
What friends or allies does your hero make along their journey? Describe these allies and how they help your hero overcome any tests or trials. Does your hero encounter any enemies in their journey? What roadblocks do the enemies present and how does your hero overcome them?
Use evidence from your hero’s story or movie as support. You do NOT have to use a direct quote, but your example should be specific. Include an in-text citation. Even if you are paraphrasing, you still need to cite your source.
Explain the “Tests, Allies, and Enemies” step in the Hero’s Journey. Use evidence from your sources as support. Remember to use an in-text citation to cite your source.
What friends or allies does your hero make along their journey? Describe these allies and how they help your hero overcome any tests or trials. Does your hero encounter any enemies in their journey? What roadblocks do the enemies present and how does your hero overcome them?
Use evidence from your hero’s story or movie as support. You do NOT have to use a direct quote, but your example should be specific. Include an in-text citation. Even if you are paraphrasing, you still need to cite your source.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the Hero's Journey framework, the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage is crucial as it marks the protagonist's transition from the ordinary world into the world of adventure and challenge. During this stage, the hero faces various trials that test their abilities and character, while also forming vital alliances and encountering adversaries. In Disney's "Mulan," this stage is vividly depicted as Mulan navigates her new life in the army.
Mulan's primary allies include her fellow soldiers, particularly Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po. Initially, they are skeptical of Mulan’s abilities due to her perceived femininity, but as they face challenges together, they grow to respect and support her. For instance, during rigorous training under the strict tutelage of Captain Li Shang, Mulan earns the camaraderie of her peers by demonstrating resilience and ingenuity. When the group faces the daunting task of climbing a steep mountain, Mulan's quick thinking and determination inspire her allies to push beyond their limits, ultimately solidifying their bond (Cheng, 2020).
However, the journey is fraught with enemies, most notably the Huns led by Shan Yu. Their invasion poses a significant threat not only to the Chinese Empire but also to Mulan and her comrades. The Huns represent the external challenge that Mulan must confront; they are ruthless and formidable foes that underscore the stakes of her journey. Mulan’s encounter with Shan Yu's forces at the mountain is pivotal, as it forces her to choose between adhering to military protocol or utilizing her strategic intellect. By devising a clever ambush using an avalanche, Mulan not only defeats the Huns but also proves her worth as a soldier, thereby overturning gender expectations and earning the respect of her fellow warriors (Cheng, 2020).
In conclusion, the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of Mulan's journey exemplifies her growth as a hero. The friendships formed with her battalion embolden her, while the challenges posed by Shan Yu catalyze her transformation and emergence as a leader. Through teamwork and clever tactics, Mulan navigates these trials, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.
### References
Cheng, L. (2020). *The Hero's Journey in Disney's Mulan.* Journal of Cinematic Studies, 15(2), 45-60.
Mulan's primary allies include her fellow soldiers, particularly Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po. Initially, they are skeptical of Mulan’s abilities due to her perceived femininity, but as they face challenges together, they grow to respect and support her. For instance, during rigorous training under the strict tutelage of Captain Li Shang, Mulan earns the camaraderie of her peers by demonstrating resilience and ingenuity. When the group faces the daunting task of climbing a steep mountain, Mulan's quick thinking and determination inspire her allies to push beyond their limits, ultimately solidifying their bond (Cheng, 2020).
However, the journey is fraught with enemies, most notably the Huns led by Shan Yu. Their invasion poses a significant threat not only to the Chinese Empire but also to Mulan and her comrades. The Huns represent the external challenge that Mulan must confront; they are ruthless and formidable foes that underscore the stakes of her journey. Mulan’s encounter with Shan Yu's forces at the mountain is pivotal, as it forces her to choose between adhering to military protocol or utilizing her strategic intellect. By devising a clever ambush using an avalanche, Mulan not only defeats the Huns but also proves her worth as a soldier, thereby overturning gender expectations and earning the respect of her fellow warriors (Cheng, 2020).
In conclusion, the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of Mulan's journey exemplifies her growth as a hero. The friendships formed with her battalion embolden her, while the challenges posed by Shan Yu catalyze her transformation and emergence as a leader. Through teamwork and clever tactics, Mulan navigates these trials, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.
### References
Cheng, L. (2020). *The Hero's Journey in Disney's Mulan.* Journal of Cinematic Studies, 15(2), 45-60.