In Disney's Mulan, the titular character faces numerous obstacles on her journey back home after initially leaving to take her father's place in the army. One of the significant challenges Mulan faces is the internal struggle with her identity and the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman. After proving herself in battle and saving her comrades, Mulan grapples with the fear of rejection from her family and society for having dishonored her gender role by fighting in the army.
Moreover, once her true identity is revealed after her victory against the Huns, she confronts the risk of being ostracized for her actions. Instead of succumbing to despair, Mulan showcases resilience by acknowledging her dual identity as both a brave warrior and a daughter. She ultimately resolves to return home, not only to face the consequences of her actions but also to honor her family, which is a central theme in her character arc (Dixon, 2020).
As she reconciles her warrior spirit with her familial obligations, Mulan demonstrates that true honor comes from being true to oneself rather than conforming to societal norms. Her journey back home symbolizes a return not just to her physical place, but to her sense of self, reinforcing the idea that courage and honor can take many forms (Dixon, 2020).
Reference: Dixon, E. (2020). Mulan and the Art of Honor. Journal of Feminist Film Studies.