I don't see what's wrong with writing about Mulan. She is a real historical figure, just not as important as some others but still. But, if they wrote about it like the Disney movie, then there is something wrong.

Were any actually based on the poem? Because that's as historically valid as writing about, say, Paris or Achilles in the Trojan War. Which plenty of people do.

I expect this to be continued: LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS...

Funny how some of you actually think Mulan is just a Disney character. She as a matter of fact, is a real person, while the Disney movie is a remake of her story with some fairytale stuff.

I'd have chosen the Chinese Brother who could hold the whole sea in his mouth. He looked so adorable with his cheeks all puffed up! People these days just don't have that kind of talent!

What's wrong with Mulan? At least your students were able to come up with an actual historical figure from a country they aren't familiar with. It's technically your job to be teaching them about it... At least nobody wrote about Kung Fu Panda.

Hua Mulan is considered a legendary figure, however, and not necessarily a historical one. There may have been one, or it may be just an old folk tale- there isn't enough documentation to prove it. It would be the equivalent of someone writing a paper about a historical American and choosing Paul Bunyan. While his legend is reflective of the time at which he was supposed to have lived, and most people are as familiar with him as they would have been with a real historical figure, he just doesn't have enough factual basis to qualify.

As a teacher I feel your frustration OP, but as a student I understand your students thinking. Nothing like an easy essay topic to kick ass on!

Can't blame them, Mulan is pretty hardcore! I would probably write about her too.

You actually flat out embarrassed yourself.