In the Hero's Journey, the "Refusal of the Call" is a crucial step where the hero initially hesitates or outright declines the call to adventure, reflecting their fear, uncertainty, or reluctance to leave their ordinary world. This stage serves to highlight the internal conflict and sets the tone for the hero's later transformation.
In Disney's "Mulan," the protagonist, Mulan, experiences this refusal vividly. When the Emperor's decree calls for men to join the army to defend China against the Huns, Mulan recognizes the danger and potential consequences of the situation. Her initial inclination is to conform to societal expectations and remain in her traditional role, indicating her hesitation to embrace the identity of a warrior. This can be seen when Mulan struggles with her identity and the fear of failing her family and the societal norms placed upon her as a woman.
Mulan's refusal is underscored by her emotional turmoil and her eventual decision that leads her to disguise herself as a man and take her father's place in the army. The moment she decides to take action, despite her initial reluctance, marks a pivotal shift in her journey—indicating her bravery in confronting the call to adventure despite her fears.
As stated by Campbell (2004), the Refusal of the Call often involves a moment of doubt, reflecting the hero's apprehension about what lies ahead (Campbell, J. The Hero with a Thousand Faces). Mulan’s initial hesitance represents this critical psychological barrier that she must overcome to embrace her true potential and embark on her heroic journey.
Reference:
Campbell, J. (2004). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.