Confucianism has greatly influenced traditional Chinese culture as the primary ideology, it led moral education to the fundamental system of ancient China for a long period, which aims to shape one’s mind, temperament, and morals (Wang,2004). Confucianism is greatly embodied in Mulan's stories through the principles of “Xiao 孝”( filial piety), “Zhong 忠” (loyalty), and “Ren 仁” (humanness).
“Xiao 孝”( filial piety) is the root of all virtues and the source from which all moral guidance originates(Hu,1996), it highlights the respect and care that the offspring should show to their parents and ancestors. This principle has been ingrained in Chinese culture for thousands of years and exists in East Asian societies and among Asian-American families (Canda,2013), it particularly reminds people of their duties and responsibilities to their families with dedication. Mulan shows her character as a filial daughter by taking her father's place in the army, which exemplifies the principle of "Xiao孝” in Confucianism.
“Zhong 忠” (loyalty) portrays the relations between one’s cognition and the substances and the self attitude towards public acts (Xu,2012), it mainly involves the virtues of loyalty and commitment to one's country and their loved ones. In Mulan’s story, her loyalty to her country by serving in the military and protecting the country and her fellow soldiers reflects the principle of Zhong.
“Ren 仁” (humanness) which can also be interpreted as “care,” “love,” or “benevolence”(Zhang,2016 ), it includes the virtues such as kindness, compassion, and integrity. Confucius regarded “Ren 仁” as the moral prerequisite for a position of leadership (Luo,2012). Mulan's acts throughout the story indicate her care and selflessness in the principle of “Ren 仁” as she risked her life to help her father and safeguard the country, which shows her deep commitment to moral integrity. Additionally, Mulan's family, particularly her father also expressed "Ren 仁" by placing a flower on Mulan's head to soothe her after the matching woman rejected her.
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