THE REPRESENTATION OF LIBERAL FEMINISM IN THE …

iv

THE REPRESENTATION OF LIBERAL FEMINISM IN THE

CHARACTER OF HUA MULAN IN MULAN MOVIE

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

IRENE ANDINI WISHNU ADYATMASANI

Student Number: 174214111

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA

YOGYAKARTA

2021

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ii



AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By



DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA

YOGYAKARTA

2021


iii

A Sarjana Sastra Undergraduate Thesis



By



Approved by

Dr. Tatang Iskarna July 14,2021

Advisor

Epata Puji Astuti, S.S., M.A. July 14, 2021

Co-Advisor


iv

A Sarjana Sastra Undergraduate Thesis



By



Defended before the Board of Examiners

On July, 28 2021

And Declared Acceptable

BOARD OF EXAMINERS

NAME SIGNATURE

Chairperson : Dr. Tatang Iskarna ______________

Secretary : Epata Puji Astuti, S.S., M.A. ______________

Member 1 : Dr. Gabriel Fajar Sasmita Aji, M.Hum. ______________

Member 2 : Dr. Tatang Iskarna ______________

Member 3 : Epata Puji Astuti, S.S., M.A. ______________

Yogyakarta, July 30, 2021

Faculty of Letters

Universitas Sanata Dharma

Dean

Dr. Tatang Iskarna


v

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY

I certify that this undergraduate thesis contains no material which has been previously

submitted for the award of any other degree at any university, and that, to the best of

my knowledge, this undergraduate thesis contains no material previously written by

any other person except where due reference is made in the text of the undergraduate

thesis.

July 2nd, 2021

Irene Andini Wishnu Adyatmasani


vi

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH

UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS

Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma

Nama : Irene Andini Wishnu Adyatmasani

Nomor Mahasiswa : 174214111

Demi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan

Universitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul

THE REPRESENTATION OF LIBERAL FEMINISM IN THE CHARACTER

OF HUA MULAN IN MULAN MOVIE

beserta perangkat yang diperlukan (bila ada). Dengan demikian saya memberikan

kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharna hak untuk menyimpan, mengalihkan

dalam bentuk media lain, mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data,

mendistribusikan secara terbatas, dan mempublikasikannya di internet atau media lain

untuk kepentingan akademis tanpa perlu meminta ijin kepada saya maupun

memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama saya sebagai

penulis.

Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya.

Dibuat di Surakarta

Pada tanggal 2 Juli 2021

Yang menyatakan,



vii

“Don’t worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank Him for all He has done.”

Philippians 4:6


viii

For my beloved family, friends,

and especially Jesus Christ.


ix

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to God Almighty,

because without His infinite blessings, this thesis would not be possible. I would like

to express my deepest gratitude and respect to my thesis supervisor, Dr. Tatang Iskarna

for all his time and energy in helping me write this thesis, also my co-advisor, Epata

Puji Astuti, S.S., M.A. which really helped me to tidy up the thesis that I had written.

Second, I would like to thank my family, especially my father, mother, aunt,

and grandmother who never tire of asking "Kapan sidang?", and always support me to

keep working hard on my thesis.

Third, I would like to thank my special person, Geradus Septi Hantoro who has

always supported me to finish my thesis quickly and helped me with technical thesis

writing. I also want to thank my friends, Afiq and Farras who always accompany me

to do my thesis if I want to do it at the coffee shop.

Lastly, I would like to thank my friends from the Leo group; Serly, Aza, and

Clara, and also Niken who always accompany me when I'm in a bad mood, and when

I need someone to confide in. I also thank Elisha Vita who faithfully accompanied me

during my studies at Universitas Sanata Dharma.



x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE OF PAGE .................................................................................................................. ii

APPROVAL PAGE ............................................................................................................. iii

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ......................................................................................v

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH UNTUK

KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS ............................................................................................. vi

MOTTO PAGE ................................................................................................................... vii

DEDICATION PAGE ........................................................................................................ viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................. ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................x

TABLE OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ xii

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ xiii

ABSTRAK ............................................................................................................................xiv

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................1

A. Background of the Study ..............................................................................................1

B. Problem Formulation....................................................................................................3

C. Objectives of The Study ...............................................................................................4

D. Definition of Terms ......................................................................................................4

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE ......................................................................6

A. Review of Related Studies ...........................................................................................6

B. Review of Related Theories .........................................................................................9

1. Theory of Characterization .......................................................................................9

2. Theory of Liberal Feminism ...................................................................................11

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ................................................................................... 16

A. Object of The Study ................................................................................................... 16

B. Approach of The Study .............................................................................................. 17

C. Method of the Study ................................................................................................... 17


xi

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS ................................................................................................... 19

A. The Characteristics of Hua Mulan .............................................................................. 19

1. Careless ..................................................................................................................19

2. Courageous.............................................................................................................22

3. Independent ............................................................................................................24

4. Heroic .....................................................................................................................27

5. Strong in Determination .........................................................................................28

B. Representation of Liberal Feminism in Mulan ........................................................... 30

1. Women Can Do Anything That They Want ...........................................................31

2. Women Who Dare to Take Risks ...........................................................................35

3. Successfully Performing Male Roles ......................................................................40

4. Women Who Get Recognition ...............................................................................42

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ........................................................................................... 45

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 48


xii

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Mulan's disappointed face ........................................................................... 33

Figure 2. Mulan is being dressed by her mother ........................................................ 34

Figure 3. Mulan looking at her reflection .................................................................. 36

Figure 4. Mulan wearing her father’s armor .............................................................. 37

Figure 5. Mulan fight with Honghui .......................................................................... 40

Figure 6. Mulan carrying two buckets full of water ................................................... 42

Figure 7. The Emperor gives thanks to Mulan ........................................................... 43

Figure 8. Commander Tung gives Mulan an achievement ........................................ 44


xiii

ABSTRACT

ADYATMASANI, IRENE ANDINI WISHNU. (2021). The Representation of

Liberal Feminism in the Character of Hua Mulan in Mulan Movie. Yogyakarta:

Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Universitas Sanata Dharma.

This research is aimed at describing the representation of liberal feminism

through the character of Hua Mulan. Mulan is a 2020 action drama film produced by

Walt Disney Pictures. It is a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1998 animated film of

the same name, based on the Chinese folklore "The Ballad of Mulan". This story is

about a little girl named Hua Mulan who from a young age has been educated to

become a true woman, which education is a custom that must be done in China; that a

girl should act like a true woman. However, Hua Mulan preferred to disguise herself

as a man to fight in her father's position. This research is about Mulan who struggles to

bring pride to world to show that women are not weak and can be equal to men.

There are two research questions in this research. The first research question is

how the characteristics of Mulan is described. The second research question is how

Mulan’s characteristics represents the of liberal feminism.

The method that is used in this research is library research. The object of this

research is the Mulan movie script, which is also the main source. The secondary

sources are Mulan movies, books, journals, and some internet sites related to this

research. The theory used in this research is liberal feminism proposed by Rosemarie

Putnam Tong and M.J. Murphy’s character and characterization theory. The data

collection used is documentation through the dialogues and narration. The data analysis

used is identifying and classifying the characteristics of Mulan and describing how the

characteristics reveals the values of liberal feminism.

The results of this study are, first, Hua Mulan has five characteristics; care-less,

courageous, heroic, independent, and strong in determination. Second, Hua Mulan

existences that represent her struggle of liberal feminism are women can do anything

that they want, women who dare to take risks, successfully performing male roles and

women who get recognition. In the movie, Hua Mulan proves that women also have

the freedom to choose and do what men do.

Keywords: Characteristics, Feminism, Liberal Feminism


xiv

ABSTRAK

ADYATMASANI, IRENE ANDINI WISHNU. (2021). The Representation of

Liberal Feminism in the Character of Hua Mulan in Mulan Movie. Yogyakarta:

Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Universitas Sanata Dharma.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan representasi feminisme liberal

melalui karakter Hua Mulan. Mulan adalah film drama aksi tahun 2020 yang

diproduksi oleh Walt Disney Pictures. Film ini adalah adaptasi live-action dari film

animasi Disney tahun 1998 dengan nama yang sama, berdasarkan cerita rakyat

Tiongkok "The Ballad of Mulan". Cerita ini tentang seorang gadis kecil bernama Hua

Mulan yang sejak kecil telah dididik untuk benar-benar menjadi seorang wanita,

dimana pendidikan merupakan suatu kebiasaan yang harus dilakukan di Cina; bahwa

seorang gadis harus bertindak seperti wanita sejati. Namun, Hua Mulan lebih suka

menyamar sebagai pria untuk bertarung menggantikan ayahnya. Penelitian ini tentang

Mulan yang berjuang untuk membawa kebanggaan bagi dunia untuk menunjukkan

bahwa perempuan tidak lemah dan bisa setara dengan laki-laki.

Ada dua pertanyaan penelitian dalam penelitian ini. Pertanyaan penelitian

pertama adalah bagaimana karakteristik Mulan digambarkan. Pertanyaan penelitian

kedua adalah bagaimana karakteristik Mulan merepresentasikan feminisme liberal.

Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan.

Objek penelitian ini adalah naskah film Mulan, yang juga sebagai sumber utama.

Sumber sekunder adalah film Mulan, buku, jurnal, dan beberapa situs internet yang

terkait dengan penelitian ini. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah

feminisme liberal yang dikemukakan oleh Rosemarie Putnam Tong dan teori karakter

dan karakterisasi M.J Murphy. Pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah dokumentasi

melalui dialog dan narasi. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah mengidentifikasi dan

mengklasifikasikan karakteristik Mulan dan mendeskripsikan bagaimana karakteristik

tersebut mengungkapkan nilai-nilai feminisme liberal.

Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah, pertama, Hua Mulan memiliki lima

karakteristik; ceroboh, berani, heroik, mandiri, dan tekad yang kuat. Kedua, tindakan

Hua Mulan yang merepresentasikan perjuangannya untuk mendapatkan feminisme

liberal adalah wanita bisa melakukan apapun yang ia inginkan, perempuan yang berani

mengambil risiko, berhasil menjalankan peran laki-laki, dan perempuan yang

mendapat pengakuan. Dalam film tersebut, Hua Mulan membuktikan bahwa

perempuan juga memiliki hak kebebasan dalam memilih serta melakukan apa yang

dilakukan laki-laki.

Kata kunci: Karakteristik, Feminisme, Feminisme Liberal


1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Generous women's liberation viewpoint thought men and women ought to have

the same opportunity as the education field. Instruction isn't as it were for men but

moreover for women. They have no opportunity to choose or to talk about their

thoughts or contemplations. As stated in Wollstonecraft, Feminist Thoughts, “because

something not permitted them to make their own decision, they lacked liberty” (2009,

p. 13). It implies that women cannot express what they feel, they also cannot express

their needs freely.

Rosemarie Tong is one of the American feminist philosophers who distributed

a book entitled Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction in 1998. Tong

states eight types of feminism. These are liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxism,

and socialist feminism, psychoanalytic feminism, care-focused feminism, multicultural

global and postcolonial feminism, ecofeminism, and postmodern and third-wave

feminism (Tong, 2009, p. 11). Tong says that “liberal feminism is equality of

opportunity, which would undoubtedly require and lead to both” (Tong, 2009, pp. 12-

13). It means that women have the same opportunity as men. Based on her book, Tong

defines many types of equality between men and women, such as equal education,

salary, and liberty.


2

Year after year, feminist studies have become more common in every aspect.

This can be seen and proven by the many literary works such as films and books that

focus on feminist research. In the movie world, The Walt Disney Animation Company

is the biggest movie production. They have produced more than 100 movies in the past

ten years. In September 2020, Disney launched a live-action adaptation of Disney's

1998 animated film of the same name, based on the Chinese folklore "The Ballad of

Mulan".

The film made by Walt Disney is identified as a popular film with a variety of

positive messages, both those that tell real stories and fiction stories. Disney also raised

a quite several stories about female figures in the films that were released. In its

development, Disney films were identified to give the impression of representation of

women from different points of view. This is said to be different because the paradigm

that develops in society regarding the figure of women is often synonymous with

patriarchy, where women are depicted as only engaged in activities at home, such as

cooking, caring for children, and doing other household chores.

Mulan movie is very different from a series of animated movies, mostly with a

female main character. Mulan is described as an independent figure and does not

depend on men where it conflicts with women in society at large and how it breaks

down stereotypes about women that exist in society. The presence of this movie seems

to provide a new perspective on the roles of women that are different from the usual

ones.


3

The reason why the writer chooses this topic is that the story in this movie could

inspire people. From this movie, people think women can be independent when they

have the chance to be independent. Women can also be equal to men. As a woman, we

are free to be whatever we want, explore ourselves, learn something interesting rather

than following the rules that make us not enjoy our lives. It can be seen through the

main female character in the movie.

B. Problem Formulation

Related to the background of the study, there are two questions based on the

background of the study:

1. How is the characteristics of Hua Mulan described?

2. How does the characteristics of Hua Mulan represent liberal feminism?


4

C. Objectives of The Study

There are two objectives in this research. The first is to describe the character

of Hua Mulan against her family and customs which state that women must act elegant.

The second is to explain how the characteristics of Hua Mulan represents liberal

feminism.

D. Definition of Terms

Before continuing further into the study, to avoid misunderstanding, a few

clarifications regarding the terms that are used throughout the study need to be defined

and clarified. The writer finds two terms that are used in this research.

The first term is characteristics, according to Oxford Learner's Dictionaries,

characteristic is a typical feature or quality that something/somebody has

(Characteristic, n.d.). For example, it can be long hair, short hair, tall, or it can be their

identity like friendly, smart, and quite.


5

The second term is liberal feminism, according to Maggie Humm, liberal

feminism is the “theory of individual freedom for women” (1990, p. 105). Tong stated

in Feminist Thought, “Our entire system of individual rights is justified because these

rights constitute a framework within which we can all choose our separate goods,

provided we do not deprive others of theirs.” (2009, p. 11). It means that the aim of

liberal feminism is equality and women can freely choose what they want.


6

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A. Review of Related Studies

In conducting this research, the writer had sought references from several other

related studies in order to enrich the study and discussion on liberal feminism. The first

study is an undergraduate thesis that is written by Amanda Putri Kirana, a student of

Communication Studies in Brawijaya University Malang entitled Analisis Wacana

Stereotip Gender Perempuan dalam Film Kartun Anak (Studi Analisis Wacana Kritis

Model Sara Mills dalam film Animasi Disney Princess Mulan) (2019). The problem

formulation that she wrote is how is the depiction of female gender stereotypes (seen

from the aspect of femininity, the nature of work, and gender roles in the family) in the

Disney animated movie Princess Mulan in terms of the subject-object position and the

writer-reader position based on Sara Mills' discourse analysis.

The study analyzes the animated movie Mulan, especially the main character

using the Sara Mills model of critical discourse analysis. The study focuses on the main

female character named Hua Mulan and criticized the discourse on the depiction of

female gender stereotypes contained in the Disney Princess Mulan movie through the

position of the actor's subject-object in the film as well as the position of the writer and

also the reader in interpreting the depiction of women in the Mulan movie. To collect


7

data for analysis, the researcher uses a cinematographic aspect that focuses on the main

elements in the preparation of the film, namely the scene. The scene itself is divided

into two elements, namely visual and audio elements. The visual elements include clips

from the film, while the audio elements used are dialogue and the script of the Disney

Princess Mulan animated film. Finally, the study concludes that in the film Mulan there

are still many stereotypical scenes about women. There are several scenes that show

the humiliation and unfair treatment of Mulan as a result of the stereotyping of women.

The result of the first related study is that in Disney films, women are still objects

whose presence is described by the subject of the storyteller (filmmaker). Researchers

also found that stereotypes of women in the film Mulan can be classified into 3 types

(Klestina, 1998), namely based on aspects of femininity (women depend on other

people, have emotional and pastoral attitudes), aspects of the field of work (women are

described as more suitable to do domestic work), and their role in the family (getting

married and giving offspring).

The first related study and this study have the same object of the study which is

the Mulan movie, which makes the study relevant to be used as a reference of this

study. However, the first related study analyses how is the depiction of female gender

stereotypes in the Disney movie Mulan, while this study explains the aspects of liberal

feminism in Mulan's movie. The first related study uses the theory of critical discourse

analysis from Sara Mills, while this study uses the theory of characterization from

Murphy and the theory of liberal feminism. The first related study aims to analyze and


8

criticize the discourse on the depiction of female gender stereotypes in the Disney

Princess Mulan movie through the position of the subject-object actors in the film and

the position of the writer and also the reader in interpreting the depiction of women in

the film. Moreover, the first related study does not discuss the characterization of the

main character Mulan and aspects of her liberal feminism, thus it differs from this study

as this study explains the characterization of the main character Mulan and what aspects

and factors support her liberal feminism.

The second study is an undergraduate thesis that is written by Fakhrana

Mutiarahmanika, a student from Communication Study in Pertamina University

entitled Representasi Feminisme Liberal Pada Film Animasi (Studi Semiotika Tokoh

‘Mulan’ Pada Film Disney Mulan) (2020). In his study, he talks about liberal feminism

in the animated film Mulan by using semiotics studies. The method used is Roland

Barthes' semiotic analysis with a qualitative approach. The results show that initially,

Mulan received oppression against women from the surrounding community to be in

the private sphere only. Then he made various efforts so that he could gain a place in

the public sphere which in the end succeeded and he also received recognition and

respect from many people.

The researcher of the second related study choose scenes involving Mulan as

seen from the analysis unit in the form of visual, technical, and audio. The selected

scenes will become the text of the film which will be analyzed using Roland Barthes'

semiotic method, namely two-stage significance. The first stage of significance is


9

denotative meaning. Furthermore, the second stage of significance, connotative

meaning, and myth. The results of data analysis will be explained using several

concepts related to representation such as stereotypes and naturalization. Identity,

ideology, etc. Furthermore, the results of the data will be clarified again with the theory

of liberal feminism which will eventually draw conclusions.

The second study related to this study analyzes aspects of liberal feminism in the

main character Mulan. What distinguishes the second study from this study is that the

researcher uses semiotic analysis in analyzing the data. Researchers of the second

related study also use visual codes in communication science theory which are used to

analyze scenes related to liberal feminism. Meanwhile, in this study, the researcher

uses characterization theory to support aspects of liberal feminism which will be

analyzed in a later stage.

B. Review of Related Theories

In this chapter of the study, two theories should be defined to support the writer’s

analysis.

1. Theory of Characterization

Character is an important part of intrinsic elements because it represents the idea

of the author through their actions and dialogues. According to Murphy in his book

entitled an Understanding Unseens: an Introduction to English Poetry and the English

Novel for Overseas Students, there are several types to make the reader understand the

characters (Murphy, 1972, pp. 161-173).


10

a. Personal Description

Characteristics of a person can be seen through their appearance and clothes.

b. Character as Seen by Another

Characteristics of a person can be seen through the viewpoints and opinions of other

characters.

c. Speech

Characteristics of a person can be seen through what they say and when other

people talk to them.

d. Past Life

Characteristics of a person can be seen through his past. What they talk about and

think about their past is a clue about the person's characteristics.

e. Conversation of Others

Characteristics can be seen through the conversations carried out by other

characters, and whatever they say about it.


11

f. Reactions

Characteristics can be seen through the reactions expressed by the character about

a thing or situation.

g. Direct Comment

Characteristics can be seen clearly through the description given by the author.

h. Thoughts

Characteristics can be seen through what the character is thinking about.

i. Mannerisms

Characteristics can be seen through behavior, good and bad habits carried out by

someone.

2. Theory of Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminism was first born in the 18th century formulated by Mary

Wollstonecraft in her writings A Vindication of the Right of Women (1759-1799), the

19th century by John Stuart Mill in his Subjection of Women, and Harriet Taylor Mills

in his book Enfranchisement of Women. Then in the 20th century, Betty Friedan wrote

The Feminist Mystique and The Second Stage. This Liberal Feminist based on their

thinking on the liberal concept which emphasizes that women and men are created

equal, have the same rights, and must have the same opportunities. Humans are


12

different from animals because of their rationality. The ability of rationality has two

aspects, namely; morality, autonomous decision-making, and prudential, self-

fulfillment. A century later in Indonesia, Raden Ajeng Kartini contributed to her

thoughts on the criticism of the condition of Javanese women who were not given the

opportunity to receive an education that was equal to men, apart from criticism of

Dutch colonialism.

Feminism is related to women's struggle against discrimination caused by gender,

where women are considered as the second gender. According to Maggie Humm,

"Feminism is an ideology of women because intrinsic in all its approaches is the belief

that women suffer injustice because of their gender" (1990, p. 74). The emergence of

feminism aims to gain equality between men and women and to improve the status of

women. As a movement, feminism has several branches that have different approaches.

The branches of feminism are liberal, radical, Marxist, and post-modern feminism.

Although there are several branches of the feminist movement, this study focuses on

liberal feminism.

Liberal feminism deals with freedom for individuals such as freedom to be alive,

freedom of speech, freedom of belief, freedom of religion, and many more. According

to Rosemarie Tong, liberal feminism is not about women who can do anything that

men can do, but it is more about some women who can do anything that they want

(2009, p. 18). Liberal feminism refers to the freedom that can be obtained by women.

It means that women have the same position as men, women have the same freedom as


13

men. Women are equal to men, and there are no limits for women to express

themselves. Women can do whatever men do. Moreover, Madsen also gives an opinion

about liberal feminism perspective.

The liberal emphasizes the individual stresses the importance of individual and

individual autonomy which are protected by guaranteed rights, economic justice,

and equality of opportunity (2000, p. 35).

Liberal feminism also focuses on individuals who have the rights and guarantees to do

something free, which means women also have the right to do anything freely.

In addition, Tong states,

our entire system of individual rights is justified because these rights constitute

a framework within which we can all choose our own separate goods, provided

we do not deprive others of theirs (2009, p. 11).

Everyone has their own right to do whatever and to choose what they want, that choice

is their own choice and without interference from others. But as individuals who have

their own rights, people must also respect other people's choices as well. They can do

whatever suits them in the end without interfering with the rights of others. Therefore,

everyone has the right to equal opportunities to exercise their rights. Wendell states

that equal opportunity is related to liberal feminism.

Committed to major economic reorganization and considerable redistribution

of wealth, since one of the modern political goals most closely associated with

liberal feminism is equality of opportunity (2009, p. 12).

Based on what Wendell argued, the equality possessed by men and women is

also related to equality of opportunity. Because Wendell discusses liberal feminism,

where liberal feminism focuses on economics and politics, therefore men and women


14

must have equal and equal opportunities in economic and political terms. This is

supported by Tong's argument that states,

The overall goal of liberal feminism is the worthy one of creating "a just and

compassionate society in which freedom flourishes. Only in such a society can

women and men thrive equally (2009, p. 13).

Many people argue about equality between men and women because many

women have experienced when they are objects of men, more precisely, they have been

abused by men. As Wollstonecraft states,

A woman is not a 'mere means", or instrument, to one or more man's pleasure

or happiness. Rather, she is an “end herself", a rational agent whose dignity

consists in having the capacity of self-determination. To treat someone as a

mere means is to treat her as less than a person, as someone who exists not for

herself but as an appendage to someone else (2009, p. 16).

Many women are often used by men to become objects of pleasure. This is the

same as bringing women who are also oppressed by society because women are not

valuable. Women think that they are inferior to men. This evidence is one reason why

many people want to make men and women equal, as Wollstonecraft states,

If the society is to achieve sexual equality or gender justice, then society must

provide women with the same political rights and economic opportunities as

well as the same education that men enjoy (2009, p. 16).

The position of equality held by women and men is not only in the political and

economic fields but also in the field of education. Society demands that women also

have a good and equal education like men, because for women, getting a good

education means that women must also become husband's partners, including earning

a living for the house, "in order to be partners rather than servants of their husbands,


15

wives must earn an income outside the home (2009, p. 18). The movement and the

rarity to get equal status between women and men is still ongoing today, and one of the

movements is called NOW. But it also has some rules about the freedom that women

can have. There are several things that also need to be considered in obtaining the

equality demanded by women, "the aim of NOW's Bill of Rights for Women was to

secure for women the same rights men have" (2009, p. 25).

C. Theoretical Framework

In this part, the above theories contribute to finding and solving the problems

contained in the problem formulation in this research. Those theories are the theory of

characterization and the theory of liberal feminism. The first problem is to find Hua

Mulan's characterization in the movie. Hua Mulan is the main character in the Mulan

movie. To answer the first problem, the author uses Murphy's theory of

characterization. This theory is used to analyze Mulan's characteristic which is shown

through the conversation of others, reaction, and speech.

The second problem is to analyze how characteristics of Hua Mulan represents

liberal feminism. To answer the second problem, the author uses the theory of

Rosemarie Thong. The purpose of using the second theory is to show that women can

also choose their choices freely, and can get the right as man. In this movie, Mulan

shows that she can also replace her father in the war and successfully disguises herself

as a man, and gets recognition from the public. By using liberal feminism theory, the

second problem can be answered.


16

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of The Study

The object of the study is a movie script entitled Mulan. This movie was

released in 2020. This movie is an action drama film produced by Walt Disney Pictures

and directed by Niki Caro. It is a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1998 animated film

of the same name, based on the Chinese folklore "The Ballad of Mulan”. (Rio Cinemas,

2020)

The film begins with the Rouran’s Army attacking a dynasty in China. This

made the Chinese emperor have to enact conscription in which every family had to

send a male member to join the war, including the Mulan family. The only male in

Mulan's family is her father who is a war veteran with a leg injury. With these

conditions, finally Mulan secretly disguised herself as a man to replace her father at

war.

Where Mulan lives, society demands that women be able to look beautiful so

that they can become good wives later. But Mulan is unable to fulfill this and is

considered not to bring honor to her family. However, when her plan to follow the war

was successful and the enemy was defeated, it was not only an honor for the family but

she became an honor for many people.


17

B. Approach of The Study

The approach of the study that the writer uses in this study is feminism. The

feminist approach sees how economic, political, social, and psychological oppression

of women are reinforced and undermined by literature and other cultural productions

(Tyson, 2006, p. 84). One of the feminism theories, liberal feminism deals with gender

equality.

This research uses a feminist approach to analyze and then find out the values

of liberal feminism on the main female characteristics of the movie. This approach is

suitable to analyze the movie because, in the movie, it shows how the main female

character struggles with self-discovery and gets an education. However, Mulan’s

family does not allow her to reach her goal and asks her to marry a man instead. The

study is focused on liberal feminism. In which the female main character reflects liberal

feminism through her characterization since she experiences freedom and equality in

her life.

C. Method of the Study

This research uses library research as its method to analyze Mulan. This method

aims to find out all the reliable theories from books or online sources useful to this

study. There are two kinds of sources that the researcher needs in this study, these two

kinds of sources are primary and secondary sources. The primary source of this study

is the Mulan movie script, and then the secondary sources of this study are from Mulan


18

movie, some books, journals, some references, and some internet sources that support

this research.

There are several steps used to analyze this movie. The first step is watching

Mulan movie, close-reading the Mulan movie script and dialogue several times and

reading the theory of characterization, feminism, and liberal feminism. Then, the writer

analyzes the characteristics of Hua Mulan, how she is in her family, and how her

attitude in becoming a military man replaces her father. The second step is to represent

the liberal feminism theory in Mulan (2020) movies. What things can support the

liberal feminism theory so that Hua Mulan can be said to be a figure who upholds the

values of feminism. In the last step, the writer concluded the findings and formed the

conclusion.


19

CHAPTER 4

ANALYSIS

This chapter analyses the two problems that have been formulated in the first

chapter. The first discussion is the character of Hua Mulan described. After answering

the first problem formulation, the researcher will answer more about the liberal

feminism shown by the main character using liberal feminism theory.

A. The Characteristics of Hua Mulan

The characterization of Hua Mulan conducts through several theories. To

answer the question, the researcher uses the theory character of characterization by

Murphy. This theory consists of nine ways to examine the characterization of the main

character, namely personal description, character as seen by another, speech, past life,

conversation of others, reactions, direct comment, thoughts, and mannerism. Therefore,

not all of the nine technics are used to analyze the character of Hua Mulan.

1. Careless

Since childhood, Hua Mulan was known as a careless woman in her village.

According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, a “careless” person is a person that “not

giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.” (Careless, 2021). Her

careless characteristic can be seen when she focuses on herding a chicken into its cage.

She ran past her neighbors' houses, even dropping fruit racks and destroying statues in

her village. She even climbed the tile just to herd one chicken. Her mother and the other


20

neighbors had reminded her not to run, but Hua Mulan ignored them. Her father, who

was actually proud of Mulan's extreme action of herding the chicken, was finally

disappointed because she had panicked her neighbors.

Hua Mulan's mother's disappointment can be seen in the dialogue below, where

she tells her complaints to Hua Mulan's father and asks her father to advise Hua Mulan

for her careless behavior and doesn't look like a woman.

LI. It is because I'm trying to protect Mulan that I say this.

ZHOU. Mulan is young. She is still learning how to control herself.

LI. You make excuses for her. You forget, Mulan is a daughter, not a son. A

daughter brings honor through marriage.

ZHOU. Any man would be fortunate to marry either of our daughters. Including

Mulan.

LI. I ask you, what man will want to marry a girl who flits around rooftops,

chasing chickens? Xiu gives me no trouble. The matchmaker will find a good

husband for her. It is Mulan I worry about. They'll call her a witch. It's time you

talked to her. (Bunniefuu, 2020, pp. 1-2)

According to Murphy's theory about characterization, the character can be seen

through the conversation of others. Conversations of others here can be interpreted as

character traits that can be seen through conversations between two characters other

than the main character. From the conversation at 00:04:05, we can see that the

disappointment felt by Hua Mulan's mother made Hua Mulan's mother feel that Mulan

would not get a proper partner if her behavior was not like that of a feminist woman.

As is the custom in her village that women should look polite, calm, and charming.

Through the speech of Li (Hua Mulan’s mother), we can identify her thoughts of Hua

Mulan. Li asks, “I ask you, what man will want to marry a girl who flits around


21

rooftops, chasing chickens?” (bunniefuu, 2020, lines 38) From this, we can reveal Hua

Mulan’s character. From Li's question to Hua Mulan's father, Li thought that with

Mulan's careless behavior, she wouldn't be able to find a good husband.

Related to the figure above, in order to find Hua Mulan's match, her mother

arranged a schedule to go to a matchmaking agency with Hua Mulan and her sister.

Matchmaking agencies are useful for teaching how to be calm women and according

to their customs that women must be feminine. But when the matchmaking agency

taught her, there was a spider that scared Hua Mulan's sister. Hua Mulan tried to protect

her by covering the spider with a teapot, but the matchmaker scolded her instead and

asked Hua Mulan to return the teapot to its original place. As a result, the spider ran

and made Hua Mulan's sister scream. At that instant, everyone in the room panicked

and made the glass and teapot fall and break.

MATCHMAKER. It's ideal for the teapot to remain in the center of the table.

MULAN. Yes, I understand. But I think the teapot should remain where it is.

MATCHMAKER. Move the teapot. Girl! Dishonor to the Hua family. They

have failed to raise a good daughter. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 6)

From the incident and dialogue at 00:18:43, it was Hua Mulan who was blamed

for messing things up. Hua Mulan's carelessness led the matchmaking agency to swear

that the Hua family had failed to raise good daughters. Murphy said that a person's

characteristics can be seen in mannerism. Mulan has a careless characteristic because

of the mess she has created.


22

2. Courageous

Years later, in the North, Böri Khan and his barbarian army rode horses to the

Great Wall. The Rouran was finally able to seize the Northern outpost by launching a

surprise attack, dealing a heavy blow to the Chinese troops. Hearing of this and similar

attacks on five other northern cities from his chancellor, the Emperor of China

demanded additional troops to protect China. However, unbeknownst to him, his

chancellor was imitated by a magician in an attempt to trick the Chinese leadership.

At his camp, Böri Khan discussed his motives for taking over China. His father

was killed by the Emperor of China when he was young, causing him to swear revenge.

He received a lot of support, including Xianniang, a strong magician with a strong and

unbalanced Chi.

After Mulan failed in her matchmaking through a matchmaking agency in her

town, the residents were approached by one of the soldiers from the Chinese troops that

they needed more soldiers to fight Rouran. Hua Zhou, Mulan's father, came first to

contribute against the Rouran. However, even though he is a veteran, his weakened leg

condition makes him less qualified to fight the Rouran.

That evening, Mulan talks to her father while she prepares her needs for war.

Her father introduced her to the sword he used for war, which had "Loyal", "Brave",

and "True" engravings on it. He again reminds Mulan of the Phoenix and how her

ancestors will watch over her.


23

According to Murphy's theory about characterization, characters can be seen

through reactions. Mulan’s reactions can be seen when her father goes to sleep, Mulan

steals his armor, sword, and horse, and rides off towards the camp. Mulan thought of

replacing her father at war. With this action, it can be seen that Mulan's character is

very courageous in making decisions. According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries,

“courage” means the ability to do something dangerous, or to face pain or opposition,

without showing fear. (Courage, 2021). She did not think about the risks she would

face during the war and immediately went to war to replace her father. Mulan did not

say goodbye or say anything to her family regarding her role in replacing her father.

Mulan's father, Hua Zhou, realized in the morning that his sword was no longer there

and was replaced by Mulan's comb. Mulan's father and mother, Hua Zhou and Hua Li

can only hope and pray that their ancestors will protect her.

ZHOU. Ancestors, honored phoenix, ancestral guardian, I beseech you to watch

over my daughter, Mulan. She has made a terrible mistake. I taught her too late

to know her place. I indulged her. She is innocent of the world. Of men. And

the evils of war. And now she's in great danger. Please, honored phoenix--

protect her. (Bunniefuu, 2020, pp. 7-8)

Another proof that Hua Mulan was a brave woman is during the war between

the Chinese army and the Khan army. Hua Mulan became a hero for her courage. She

was so brave that she could do something dangerous and difficult. Since she had chosen

to replace his father to fight against the Khan army, she had to live in the same camp

as the other men. This would certainly damage her reputation as a woman and it was

bad for a woman, but she didn't care about this because she knew it was mandatory.


24

She had to think of herself as a boy and had to take care that no one found out that she

was a woman. Because if someone knows, then she can be expelled from the Chinese

troops.

COMMANDER TUNG. Stealing. Penalty, death. desertion. Penalty, death.

Bring women into camp or consorting with women in any way. Penalty, death.

Dishonesty, penalty. expulsion, disgrace. Disgrace for you, Disgrace for your

family, Disgrace for your village, Disgrace for your country. We're going to

make men out of every single one of you. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 9)

She not only stayed in the army but also had the same training as other men. It

is very difficult for a woman to do that. Mulan knew kung-fu and she was outstanding

in her army, especially with the Chi she possessed and her father's teachings on

techniques for finding balance, so the general asked her to fight the enemy leader alone.

She is very brave and defeats her enemy with ease. After that day, she became very

well-known and popular in her army. Everyone respected her for her courage and

independence. She is a model for her army and her friends learn from her.

3. Independent

According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, “independent” means confident

and free to do things without needing help from other people (Independent, 2021).

Since childhood, Hua Mulan had been taught to be independent. Not only educated to

be independent, but she also has a personality that dares to do anything by herself

without the help of others. She had traveled on horseback by herself during her

childhood.


25

LI. We have excellent news.

LI. The matchmaker has found you an auspicious match.

ZHOU. Yes, Mulan, it is decided.

ZHOU. Come and sit down.

ZHOU. It is what is best for our family.

MULAN. (DISAPPOINTED FACE) Yes. It is best. I will bring honor to us all.

(Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 4)

The proof that Mulan is an independent person is when Mulan is forced by her

mother to go to a matchmaking agency to find a suitable mate for Mulan. There was a

look on Mulan's face that indicated that she was reluctant to go to a dating agency. But

she had to do this because, in her village, women who had grown up were required to

find a suitable mate. Mulan felt that she was an independent person, she didn't really

think about the mate she deserved. Her mind is only full of nature and what challenges

will she faces tomorrow.

The other proof that she was independent was when she decided to replace her

father against the Khan army. Mulan had to ride a horse alone to get to the base camp

of the Chinese soldiers, where the distance was quite far and she had to spend several

days to get to the base camp. She was only accompanied by the horse she was riding.

At her camp, she was required to be independent. All the soldiers who were there were

men. The training is given by the head warrior also required her to be independent to

do all things; as an example of lifting two buckets of water to reach the top. This

training was carried out so that the Chi possessed by the soldiers could develop and the

soldiers could be stronger against their enemy, namely the Khan army.


26

In order to join the army against Rouran, Hua Mulan must head to a camp where

the troops are trained and spend the night. Mulan must disguise herself as a man in

order to become a Chinese troop. While marching towards the entrance, one of the

troops accidentally knocked Mulan down. One of the troops (Honghui) also offers to

help Mulan up, but Mulan takes out a sword and threatens to kill Honghui if he insults

her again.

HONGHUI. Need a hand, little man?

MULAN. Insult me again, and you'll taste the tip of my blade.

HONGHUI. Lower your sword.

MULAN. Or what? (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 8)

Mulan's attitude on this one is proof that she is an independent woman. She

refuses to accept help from other friends for fear that her disguise will not work. She

also had to act like a brave man. On the other hand, Mulan also felt that Ling was late

in mocking her. She thought that Ling assumed Mulan was a weak man.

COMMANDER TUNG. I told you to line up for showers.

MULAN. Showers?

COMMANDER TUNG. Showers. You lot stink. And I need a volunteer for

night guard duty.

MULAN. Me! I mean, I volunteer, sir. (Bunniefuu, 2020, pp. 8-9)

In addition, when Commander Tung came to Mulan's tent and the other troops,

Commander Tung ordered all troops to take a shower and asked one of the troops to be

a volunteer for the night watch. Quickly and swiftly, Mulan immediately shouted

loudly and chose to stay at night alone rather than gather with her friends. Even though

Mulan became a volunteer because she didn't want to take a bath with the other troops,

her attitude was one of individuality.


27

MULAN. Leave me alone.

HONGHUI. Hua Jun, we started off on the wrong foot. Can we be friends?

MULAN. I'm not your friend.

HONGHUI. Very well. But you are my equal. We fight together against the

same enemy. I will do all I can to protect the others. You can turn your back on

me, but when the time comes, don't turn your back on them.

(Bunniefuu, 2020, pp. 11-12)

When Mulan decided to bathe herself in the river near the camp, Honghui came

to see her. However, Mulan refused and asked Honghui to leave Mulan alone there.

Honghui also invites Mulan to be friends, but Mulan refuses and says that she is not

his friend. Honghui advised her and said that it was okay if Mulan turned her back on

him, but never let the enemy in. Mulan's attitude reflects an individualistic attitude.

Besides not wanting Honghui to know that Mulan was actually a woman, Mulan still

refused Honghui's invitation to be friends.

4. Heroic

According to Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, “heroic” means showing extreme

courage and admired by many people (Heroic, 2021). Mulan's heroic character can be

seen through her words to her friends. According to Murphy's theory of

characterization, a character can be seen through speech. In this dialogue, Mulan talks

to her teammates.

Before starting to fight against Rouran's troops, Mulan had time to gather with

her fellow troops at a bonfire and sit together. They were a little panicked and scared

because they were going to fight Rouran. One of the troops, Cricket had said that he

was afraid if he died, and other friends even cursed him. However, Mulan finally started


28

to speak. She tried to calm her friends and tried to advise the others not to be afraid of

war.

MULAN. My father once said, "There is no courage without fear."

YAO. So?

MULAN. So this is natural.

YAO. Well, it doesn't feel natural.

MULAN. Listen to me, all of you. We will live. I guarantee it. Because I will

protect you. We'll protect each other. We'll fight for each other.

(Bunniefuu, 2020, pp. 15-16)

Mulan's words that can finally calm her friends are based on the power of Chi

she has. She felt that with her Chi, she could protect her other friends. This is also

supported by Commander Tung's earlier words that he told Mulan not to hide her Chi.

MULAN. Sir.

COMMANDER TUNG. Your chi is powerful, Hua Jun. Why do you hide it?

MULAN. I... I don't know.

COMMANDER TUNG. The chi pervades the universe and all living things.

We are all born with it. But only the most-true will connect deeply to his chi...

and become a great warrior. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 13)

Commander Tung eventually finds out that Mulan has Chi, and when he invites

Mulan to visit him, he advises that in fact everyone has Chi, but only some can control

it. This is what makes Mulan believe in herself that she can protect her other friends,

who don't have Chi as strong as Mulan.

5. Strong in Determination

After Mulan managed to help her friends to defeat the first Rouran army, and

in the end she was expelled from the Chinese army for violating one of the rules;

because she disguised herself as a boy, Mulan met Xianniang, the witch who helped


29

Bori Khan carry out his revenge act. According to Murphy's theory of characterization,

a character can be seen through speech. In this dialogue, Xianniang meets Mulan and

talks to Mulan. There, Xianniang advised and instigated Mulan to come with her to

gain the royal throne. As Xianniang wants to prove that women can get the position

and throne of the kingdom.

XIANNIANG. Merge your path with mine. We will be stronger together.

MULAN. You follow a coward. A leader who runs from battle.

XIANNIANG. Böri Khan did not run from battle. That coward will take the

Imperial City... and your emperor will fall.

MULAN. That can't happen.

XIANNIANG. But it happens even now. Join me. We will take our place

together.

MULAN. I know my place. And it is my duty to fight for the kingdom and

protect the emperor. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 18)

From the dialogue above, we can see that Mulan has a strong determination.

Taken from the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, “determination” here can be interpreted

as the quality that makes you continue trying to do something even when this is difficult

(Determination, 2021). The determination that Mulan meant was that from the start she

had been determined to help the Chinese troops and help protect the emperor. She had

made a promise to herself, and she didn't want to betray her family.

The second proof that Mulan has a strong determination is when Mulan has

completed her mission to help the Emperor, and in the end, the Emperor acknowledges

and pays tribute to Mulan for the heroic act she has done by giving Mulan the

opportunity to cooperate with the Emperor. However, because of her strong

determination, and the purpose of doing all this is to replace her father's duties, Mulan


30

prefers to go back and meet her family first. She didn't want to lie to her family

anymore, just like the first time she didn't say goodbye to her family that she would

replace her father in the Chinese army.

EMPEROR. Hua Mulan, the people owe you a debt of thanks. I owe you my

life. In gratitude for your service and dedication, I invite you to take your place

with our greatest decorated warriors as an officer in the Emperor's Guard.

MULAN. Your Majesty... I'm deeply honored by this immeasurable

invitation... but with humble apologies... I cannot accept it. I left home under

cover of darkness... and betrayed my family's trust. I made choices I knew

would risk their dishonor. Since then... I have pledged an oath... to be loyal,

brave, and true. In order to fulfill this oath... I must return home and make

amends to my family.

EMPEROR.Very well, Hua Mulan. Devotion to family is an essential virtue.

(Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 22)

After that, because of her strong determination, Mulan returned to her

hometown to meet her family. There she apologized to her family. At that moment

Commander Tung came to her and rewarded her for her heroic actions. The two pieces

of evidence above can prove that Mulan has a strong determination in doing what she

wants. She has a clear goal, so when someone wants to incite her and wants to lead her

opinion, she can still focus on the goals she wants to achieve.

B. Representation of Liberal Feminism in Mulan

After analyzing the characteristics of the main character, Hua Mulan, it is found

that characteristics of Hua Mulan is a careless person, courageous, self-reliant, heroic,

and strong in determination. In this part, the study focuses on how liberal feminism is

reflected through the actions of Mulan and those around her. The goal of liberal

feminism is freedom for individuals, meaning that women have the right to follow their


31

wishes based on personal interests. However, in order to answer the second problem

formulation, the researcher used the theory of liberal feminism.

According to Rosemarie Tong, in Feminist Thought book, liberal feminism is not

about women who can do anything that men can do, but it is more about some women

who can do anything that they want (2009, p. 18). Liberal feminism focuses on the

freedom that women can have. It means that women can do what men do. Women also

have the same freedom as men. She can do anything without limits, they can express

themselves freely because women are equal to men.

It is similar to what Rosemary Thong said above, that women can express

themselves by doing anything that they want to do. It explains the character of Hua

Mulan as the main character who lives by her own will. Hua Mulan pointed out that

the actions she did were actually contrary to the feminism of the people in her village,

which obliged women who were mature to get married and do household things.

Therefore, Hua Mulan attempted to get her freedom the equal opportunity by replacing

her father on the battlefield to fight against Khan's troops and challenge herself to get

recognition for her hard work. However, Hua Mulan shows the representation of liberal

feminism through her character in the story as follows:

1. Women Can Do Anything That They Want

In the movie, it is shown that Mulan always does what she wants, even though

her family still forces her to follow the culture where she lives. Like what Rosemarie


32

Putnam Tong said in her book, that liberal feminism is not about women who can do

anything that men can do, but it is more about some women who can do anything that

they want (2009, p. 18). This is shown in the following dialogue and figure:

Since childhood, Mulan has always been learning self-defense little by little and

balancing Qi or Chi. Qi or Chi is a basic concept of Chinese culture, Qi is believed to

be part of all living beings as a life force or spiritual force. Not to forget, during her

growth she was always accompanied by her father. However, Mulan's tomboyish

characteristics is in stark contrast to the long-standing tradition that a woman is a bearer

of honor for her family. Women are a symbol of tenderness and honor for their families.

When Mulan was a little, she ran around her village just to herd a chicken into

her coop. In fact, Mulan drops the fruit shelf and breaks the statue that is believed to

be the protector of her family. That night, Mulan's mother expresses her disappointment

to Mulan's father and worries that Mulan will not find a good husband.

LI. You make excuses for her. You forget, Mulan is a daughter, not a son. A

daughter brings honor through marriage.

ZHOU. Any man would be fortunate to marry either of our daughters. Including

Mulan.

LI. I ask you, what man will want to marry a girl who flits around rooftops,

chasing chickens? (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 2)


33

The people in Mulan's hometown (China) also have a culture that if their

daughter is a teenager, she must immediately find a partner, and get married

immediately. Mulan's mother Hua Li is worried that Mulan can't find a good husband.

This is based on the belief from the village of Mulan that women must be elegant if

they want to get a good husband.

ZHOU. Your chi is strong, Mulan. But chi is for warriors not daughters. Soon,

you'll be a young woman... and it is time for you... to hide your gift away.

To...To silence its voice. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 2)

After Mulan's chaos, Mulan's father advises Mulan to hide her Chi, because her

culture believes that Chi is for warriors, not women. However, when Mulan replaces

her father on the battlefield, Mulan still shows her Chi that she has accidentally, and in

the end Commander Tung finds out that Mulan has Chi. This shows that Mulan does

what she wants, as in the example above, by always showing her Chi that she has.

Figure 1. Mulan's disappointed face

After Mulan's father and mother chatted and discussed, Mulan's mother and

father decide to take Mulan to matchmaking so that Mulan can immediately find a


34

partner and get married. Mulan's mother decides to take Mulan to a matchmaking

bureau for fear that Mulan will not be able to find a good husband. But when Mulan's

father and mother talk to Mulan about their decision to match Mulan, Mulan's face

changes. Mulan looks very sad and disappointed with her family's choice.

LI. We have excellent news. The matchmaker has found you an auspicious

match.

ZHOU. Yes, Mulan, it is decided. Come and sit down. It is what is best for our

family.

MULAN. Yes. It is best. I will bring honor to us all. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 4)

Mulan expresses her feelings of sadness and disappointment with a

disappointed look on her face. She can only follow what her family has chosen,

especially her mother. Mulan feels that she can't do what she wants. She didn't want to

think about her match first. But because of the culture in which she lives, her family,

especially her mother, obliges Mulan to find a partner.

Figure 2. Mulan is being dressed by her mother

In this scene (00:15:18), Mulan is shown whose face is being dressed by her

mother in order to visit a matchmaking agency to find a suitable man for Mulan. This

is because Mulan is a woman who is not elegant. She does a lot of what men do and


35

can't be as elegant as women. In fact, in her village, people believe that women who

are not elegant, will not be able to get a good mate. This scene also shows how a woman

should look attractive to men by wearing beautiful clothes and having a slim body.

Even when visiting the dating agency, the matchmaker said that women should serve

their husbands elegantly.

MATCHMAKER. Quiet. Composed. Graceful. Elegant. Poised. Polite. These

are the qualities— we see in a good wife. These are the qualities— we see in

Mulan. When a wife serves her husband— she must be silent. (Bunniefuu,

2020, p. 5)

This is one of the pressures on women, where they have to meet certain criteria

that are considered to be attractive to men. Therefore, most women only do activities

at home or in the private sphere because it seems that one of the functions of their

existence is to become a decoration that men are proud of. Seeing from the beliefs in

Mulan's village, it can be seen that there are stereotypes that differentiate between

women and men. Where, women must do what a woman should do, and should not act

like a man. However, with these stereotypes, Mulan still does what she wants to do.

Every day, she does not wear full clothes that are usually used by women in her

residence. She dared to look different from most women in that era and was not afraid

to go against the stereotypes of women in general.

2. Women Who Dare to Take Risks

When the Chinese troops came to Mulan's village, one of the troops asked for

help from all residents, especially the head of the family to jump into the battlefield


36

and help the Chinese troops to fight the terror carried out by Bori Khan. Mulan's father,

Hua Zhou, who was the best soldier before, was hesitant to join the army because his

leg condition did not allow him to join the war. In the evening, when Mulan's father

prepares the things that need to be brought to the war camp, Mulan also saw him. Mulan

is willing to sacrifice in order to replace her father to join the war. Even though she

knows that if her identity is exposed the punishment is the death penalty, she still wants

to do what he thinks is right. In this scene, Mulan is shown looking at her reflection on

a sword. This signifies the seriousness and determination to join the war that should be

waged by men.

Figure 3. Mulan looking at her reflection

This scene is also the beginning of Mulan making changes in her life, where

she begins to fight against the gender roles she should have played. He began to ignore

the demands of society for the benefit of his family and himself. He dared to take the

risk to disguise himself as a man in order to become a Chinese army to help him fight

the Rouran army.


37

Figure 4. Mulan wearing her father’s armor

The second scene that shows that she is ready to face whatever risks she will

get is when she wears the armor and sword that belonged to her father first (00:25:49).

In this scene, Mulan is seen wearing her father's armor and sword. This further

emphasizes Mulan's totality to carry out her plan.

Through the two scenes previously described, Mulan has carefully prepared

herself to carry out her role as a man. She began to leave her home to carry out activities

in the public sphere which were usually dominated by men. This is also an emphasis

that gender roles are no longer important to her.

The action that Mulan took to replace her father for battle was a very reckless

act. The regulations made required the head of the family or the son who could only

advance to the Chinese army. The regulations in force at the troop camp also state that

women are prohibited from visiting the camp area, and if caught, that person will be

removed from the troop list, and even killed. But Mulan still wants to be in the troops

there to bring honor to her family name.


38

MULAN. I'm Hua Mulan. Forgive me.

CRICKET. He's a girl?

COMMANDER TUNG. You are an imposter. You've betrayed the regiment.

You've brought disgrace to the Hua family.

MULAN. Commander...

COMMANDER TUNG. Your deceit is my shame.

SERGEANT QIANG. Commander, what is the punishment assigned to this

imposter?

COMMANDER TUNG. Expulsion.

MULAN. I would rather be executed.

COMMANDER TUNG. From this moment forward, you are expelled from the

emperor's Imperial Army. If you show your face again... your wish to be

executed will be granted. You can never go home. Your disgrace is worse than

death. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 18)

When the first phase of the war was launched, Mulan became a part of the

flanker. Then she hid behind a hill to look for tactics to disperse the enemy's focus and

save the Chinese troops from the enemy. Her tactic worked and made Rouran's army

retreat back. However, because of her actions, Mulan finally confessed to Commander

Tung and her friends that she was a woman. Commander Tung still follows the rules

that have been written, that if a soldier betrays him, he will be expelled from the army.

In the end, Mulan chose to be killed rather than being sent back to her village. But

Commander Tung chose to expel Mulan.

XIANNIANG. Impossible. A woman leading a man's army.

MULAN. Where's the emperor?

XIANNIANG. You were right. We are the same. With one difference. They

accept you, but they will never accept me.

MULAN. You told me my journey was impossible. Yet here I stand. Proof that

there is a place for people like us.

XIANNIANG. No. It's too late for me. You can still take the noble path.

MULAN. It's not too late. Please. I need your help. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 21)


39

From what Mulan said above, Mulan tries to convince Xianniang, that they,

women, still have a chance to prove to everyone that women can lead too. But

Xianniang rejected her statement because she had proven that she, as a woman, was

not accepted by society to be a leader, plus she was a witch. According to Mulan,

Xianniang has not sacrificed herself completely to try to show everyone that she, as a

woman can lead too, not only a man. Xianniang didn't dare to take too many risks,

because behind that, she was also afraid of Bori Kan. She might die if she betrays Bori

Kan. Because Xianniang knows that if Mulan, as a woman, has been accepted by the

community, especially the Chinese army and Commander Tung, Xianniang urges

Mulan to continue her actions to show everyone that women have a place, not only

men.

BORI KHAN. Why are you here?

XIANNIANG. The attack has met a fierce resistance.

BORI KHAN. From who?

XIANNIANG. A young woman, from a small village.

BORI KHAN. A girl?

XIANNIANG. A woman. A warrior. A woman leads the army. And she's no

scorned dog.

BORI KHAN. You led her here. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 22)

In the end, Xiannian came to her senses and began to believe in her efforts and

what Mulan said, that women can also get a place, not only men. She finally heads to

Bori Khan to prove that in the end there is a woman who fights and is willing to take

big risks to defend the Emperor and to show everyone that women can also fight

fiercely like men.


40

Xianniang also fought and dared to take risks by protecting Mulan from the

arrows thrown by Bori Khan. Bori Khan throws his arrow so Mulan can die and the

Emperor can't be saved. However, with Xianniang's awareness, she helped her by

allowing herself to be killed by the arrows thrown by Bori Khan. Xianniang took a

huge risk by sacrificing her life so that Mulan could still help the Emperor. Xianniang

wanted to help her because she also wanted women to have the same place, which was

equal to men.

3. Successfully Performing Male Roles

Arriving at the war camp, where all the troops helping the Chinese troops to fight

the Rouran troops gathered, Mulan began to carry out her disguise. In the camp, each

soldier must undergo training to increase their strength to fight the enemy. In

undergoing a long process of war training, Mulan was finally able to do activities that

are usually done by men. In undergoing a long war training process, Mulan was finally

able to carry out activities that were usually carried out by men.

Figure 5. Mulan fight with Honghui


41

In this scene (00:40:04), Mulan and her team members are shown doing a

martial arts move. This scene proves that with a strong effort and an unyielding attitude,

she can do anything. Her success in performing the male role was demonstrated in

Mulan's martial arts training action against Honghui. She also felt proud of what she

had done and according to her, the actions she took could make other people believe

that he was indeed a man. This action certainly adds to Mulan's confidence that her

undercover action was successful.

MULAN. You, idiot. Now everyone sees it. You must hide your chi!

YAO. Hua Jun! Who knew?

PO. What a killer! (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 11)

When Mulan managed to show her strength against Honghui during practice,

Mulan felt disappointed in herself. He thought that showing his Chi in battle training

would be a fatal mistake. Mulan is afraid that if she shows her Chi, she will break the

rules and be expelled from the camp, in the sense that her disguise failed and she didn't

succeed in replacing her father. The scene of Mulan being able to make movements

like other men shows that everyone can do anything as long as they have a strong will

and will, both male and female.


42

Figure 6. Mulan carrying two buckets full of water

The next scene also shows Mulan doing activities that are usually done by men,

namely carrying two buckets filled with water. This activity was a strength training

given by Commander Tung to train his troops. Mulan managed to reach the high peak

with two buckets filled with water in her hands. Mulan's success to the top amazed her

friends, including Honghui. Mulan managed to beat her friends in this exercise with

the support of her Chi. What Mulan did could be evidence that it was her attempt to

show that women can do what men do.

4. Women Who Get Recognition

After her efforts paid off in which she defeated the enemy, Mulan finally gained

recognition from the public. Mulan received recognition from the Emperor for helping

him and saving the Emperor and other people. In the end, Mulan was offered to become

part of the Emperor's officer. But she said that she should return to her village to

apologize to her family for her careless and secretive actions.


43

Figure 7. The Emperor gives thanks to Mulan

EMPEROR. Hua Mulan, the people owe you a debt of thanks. I owe you my

life. In gratitude for your service and dedication... I invite you to take your

place... with our greatest decorated warriors... as an officer in the Emperor's

Guard. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 22)

Arriving at her village, her family and other residents immediately welcomed

her, including her father. Her father was very sorry because he as a father could not

represent his family to join the battlefield and instead his daughter, Mulan, joined the

battlefield. A few moments later, Commander Tung and the other troops came to

Mulan's village to say their gratitude for Mulan’s heroic deeds and give Mulan an award

in the form of a sword engraved with "Loyal", "Brave", "True", and "Devotion to

Family". Commander Tung also asked again whether Mulan was still willing to work

and serve the Emperor.


44

Figure 8. Commander Tung gives Mulan an achievement

COMMANDER TUNG. I do not believe that will be necessary. Under order

of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, we present this gift to Hua Mulan. She

has saved the dynasty. The entire kingdom is in her debt. She has brought

honor to her ancestors... to her family, to her village... and to her country. As

befits a great warrior... the sword is marked with the pillars of virtue. Loyal,

brave, true. And what is this fourth virtue I see? Read it aloud, Mulan.

MULAN. "Devotion to family."

COMMANDER TUNG. You have brought honor to us all. The emperor urges

you to reconsider his invitation to join our greatest decorated warriors... as an

officer in the Emperor's Guard. (Bunniefuu, 2020, p. 24)

Mulan's heroic actions and efforts show that Mulan has succeeded in proving

that women can also get a position at the top, not only men. This proves that the awards

she has received and the position she has earned, Mulan has succeeded in breaking the

stereotypes between men and women that prevail in her village. This also proves that

women can also freely determine what they want to do. It can be seen from the awards

given, Mulan has managed to take responsibility and prove that for her right to choose

what she wants, she has succeeded in bringing the Emperor's name and family name to

life.


45

45

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

This chapter concludes all two discussions of the research’s problem

statements. The first problem is how the characteristics of Hua Mulan is described.

Lastly, the research investigates the problem of how the characteristics of Hua Mulan

represents liberal feminism.

In the analysis of the first problem, the writer utilized Murphy’s theory of

characteristics. As for herself, Hua Mulan was often found to be careless, independent,

courageous, heroic, and strong in determination. Her carelessness was seen when she

was a child when she tried to catch a chicken and tried to chase away a spider when

she met a matchmaking agency. However, Hua Mulan was also a very brave and

independent woman. This is evidenced by the many actions of her struggle which show

that she is an independent woman. Starting from she chose to replace her father who

had to go to war until, in the end, she was brave and succeeded in fighting Böri Khan

herself. Her actions can prove that she is a hero. She also helped her army a lot to defeat

Bori Khan. With strong determination and clear goals, in the end, Mulan managed to

get an award for what she did.

The second problem was answered by using Rosemarie Thong’s theory of

liberal feminism. Liberal feminism here focuses on women who have the freedom to

determine and choose what they want, and prove that their efforts to get that freedom


46

are successful. The writer found four points to answer the second problem formulation.

The first point is women can do what they want. Mulan is told to always look like an

elegant woman. This is shown when Mulan is disappointed with her family's decision

to set her up with a man. Mulan's mother (Hua Li) is worried that Mulan will not be

able to find a mate. Therefore, Hua Li took Mulan to the matchmaking bureau to find

a mate. People in Mulan’s village still believe that if a woman does not behave like an

elegant woman, then she cannot find a mate. This proves that the stereotypes between

men and women still apply in Mulan’s village. But Mulan couldn't do it. She does not

wear full clothes that are usually used by women in her residence. She dared to look

different from most women in that era and was not afraid to go against the stereotypes

of women in general.

The second point is a woman who dares to take risks. At this point, Mulan

proves that she dares to take risks if her disguise fails. From the start, Mulan has shown

her courage to take risks, when Mulan finally has the courage to make the decision to

replace her father on the battlefield. Another thing that supports it is when Mulan dares

to take risks by going to strategize alone just to help her troops fight Rouran's troops.

Although in the end Mulan was expelled from the army because she broke the rules,

namely that she was a woman. Mulan succeeded in realizing Xianniang that women

can also be leaders, having an equal place with men. Mulan takes a big risk to save the

Emperor, while Xiannian helps her by sacrificing her life.


47

The third point is successfully performing man roles. At this point, it is shown

that even though Mulan is a woman, she can smoothly do what a man should do. Many

actions can prove that Mulan has succeeded in doing the male role, but two things that

are very visible are when she managed to fight Honghui while practicing war. Another

proof is that Mulan can lift a very heavy bucket to the top during training, even though

her other male friends are unable to do this. This point also shows Mulan's efforts to

fight against existing stereotypes and proves that women can also perform man roles.

The last point is the woman who gets recognition. After many attempts by

Mulan to show that women too can do what men do, and to prove that women's

intelligence can also be relied on, Mulan finally managed to get an award for what she

did. The Emperor also acknowledged that Mulan, as a woman, was the only best soldier

who could help her and was always loyal to her stance and goals. In the end, Mulan

managed to break the stereotype that women do not have the freedom to choose and

act. Mulan managed to make her family proud. This effort she did for the sake of her

family and herself, as a woman who wanted to prove to the world that women can play

the role of men. Mulan also made this effort to prove that women can also do useful

things in the public sphere.


48

48

REFERENCES

Abrams, M. H. (1999). Glossary of Literary Terms Seventh Edition. Boston,

Massachusetts: Earl McPeek.

Anjirbag, M. (2018). Mulan and Moana: Embedded Coloniality and the Search for

Authenticity in Disney Animated Film. Social Sciences. 7. 230.

10.3390/socsci7110230. (Anjirbag, 2018)

Baehr, A.R. (2013). Liberal Feminism. Retrieved 20 September 2020 from

https://www.plato.stanford.edu/feminism-liberal.

Barry, Peter. (2002). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural

Theory. New York: Manchester University Press.

Benedik, J. (2018, August). Female's gender role conflict: The moderation effect of

gender role self-concept on the relationship between masculine versus feminine

personality states and well-being. Retrieved 1 May 2021 from Innovatiefinwerk

NL:

https://www.innovatiefinwerk.nl/sites/innovatiefinwerk.nl/files/field/bijlag

e/msc_thesis_jana_benedik_-_maastricht_univ.pdf

Boggs, J., & Petrie, D. (2008). The Art of Watching Films. New York: McGraw- Hill

Companies.

Bunniefuu. (2019). Mulan (2020). Forever Dreaming Transcripts. Retrieved 30 May

2021 from

https://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/viewtopic.php?f=949&t=40645

Careless. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/careless?q=car

eless

Caro, Niki. (2020). Mulan. United States: Walt Disney Pictures.

Characteristic. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/characteristic_

1?q=characteristics

Courageous. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/courage?q=cou

rage


49

Determination. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/determination?

q=determination

Duhan, R. (2015). The Relationship between Literature and Society. Language in India,

15(4), 192-202. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from

file:///C:/Users/ASUS/Documents/Skripsi/Roshni%20Duhan.pdf

Eisenstein, Hester. (1983). Contemporary Feminist Thought. Boston: G. K. Hall & Co.

Enyew, B. E., & Mihrete, A. G. (2018). Liberal Feminism: Assessing its Compability

and Applicability in Ethiopia context. International Journal of Sociology and

Anthropology, 60

Harmon, William & C. Hugh Holman, (2008). A Handbook to Literature (11th ed).

New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Heroic. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/heroic?q=heroi

c

Hughes, K. (2014, May 15). Gender roles in the 19th century. Retrieved December 13,

2020, from British Library: https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-

victorians/articles/gender-roles-in-the-19th-century

Humm, Maggie (Ed.). (1992). Feminisms: A Reader. Maylands Avenue: Harvester

Wheatsheaf.

Humm, Maggie. (1994). A Reader's Guide to Contemporary Feminist Literary

Criticism. Maylands Avenue: Harvester Wheatsheaf.

Humm, Maggie. (1990). The Dictionary of Feminist Theory. Columbus: Ohio State

University Press.

Independent. (2021). In Oxford Online Dictionary. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/independent_1

?q=independent

Klarer, M. (2004). An Introduction to Literary Studies Second Edition. London:

Routledge.

Liberal Feminism. (2020, December 31). Retrieved 25 May 2021 from Stanford

Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-

liberal/#Crit_1


50

Long, W. J. (2014). English Literature (Illustrated): Its History and Its Significance

for the Life of the English Speaking World. Google Books: Full Moon

Publications.

Mutiarahmanika, Fakhrana. (2020). Representasi Feminisme Liberal Pada Film

Animasi (Studi Semiotika Tokoh ‘Mulan’ Pada Film Disney Mulan). Jakarta:

Universitas Pertamina.

Murphy, M.J. (1972). Understanding Unseens: An Introduction to English Poetry and

the English Novel for Overseas Students. London: George Allen and Unwin.

Putri Kirana, Amanda. (2019). Analisis Wacana Stereotip Gender Perempuan dalam

Film Kartun Anak (Studi Analisis Wacana Kritis Model Sara Mills dalam film

Animasi Disney Princess Mulan). Malang: Universitas Brawijaya Malang.

Ramrao, D. T. (2016). Film and Literature: An Overview. India: Epitome Journals,

150.

Tong, Rosemarie (2009). Feminist Thoughts: A More

Comprehensive Introduction Third Edition. Colorado: Westviews Press.

Tyson, L. (2001). Using Critical Theory: How to Read and Write about Literature.

Canada: Routledge.

Wendell, S. (1987). A (Qualified) Defense of Liberal Feminism. Hypatia 2(2) ppp. 65-

93.

Westin, K. (2016). The Role of Film Adaptation in the English Language Classroom.

Degree Project Essay, 14.

White, T. C. (2012). The Film Experience: An Introduction (third edition). New York:

Bedford/St. Martin.

Wollstonecraft, Mary. (1999). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Boston: Bartleby


Date post:	10-Dec-2021
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	3 times
Download:	1 times