In the Hero’s Journey, the step known as “The Ordinary World” serves as the starting point for the protagonist and establishes their baseline reality before they embark on their adventures. This phase provides context for the character’s situation, their environment, and the relationships that define their normal life. In many ways, it emphasizes what is at stake when the hero steps into the unknown.
In Disney's animated film "Mulan," the Ordinary World is depicted through Mulan's daily life in her village. The film opens with Mulan struggling to fit into the traditional expectations of her culture, which dictate that she should be demure and submissive in preparation for marriage. Scenes showing her clumsy attempts to impress the matchmaker highlight her feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressure placed upon her (Disney, 1998). This initial setting establishes not only Mulan's personal conflicts but also the broader cultural norms of ancient China, which are crucial for understanding her character development.
The Ordinary World also showcases Mulan's close relationships with her family, particularly with her father, Fa Zhou, who is a war veteran. This connection exemplifies the stakes involved when she ultimately decides to take his place in the army, risking her life for her family's honor and wellbeing. As Campbell (2008) notes, this stage of the journey is essential for establishing the heroic qualities that the protagonist will later need to tap into during their quest.
By illustrating Mulan’s struggles and aspirations in her Ordinary World, the narrative effectively sets the stage for her transformation and the challenges she will face in her Hero’s Journey.
References
- Campbell, J. (2008). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.
- Disney. (1998). Mulan. Walt Disney Animation Studios.