Why Cant Wonder Woman Return to Her Island in the 2017 Film?

Introduction

In the 2017 film adaptation of Wonder Woman, the central character, Diana, played by Gal Gadot, leaves her homeland of Themyscira to help stop World War I. This decision to venture beyond the shores of her island home raises many intriguing questions, one of which is her inability to return to Themyscira after her departure. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this limitation and discuss its implications for Diana's character development and the broader narrative of the film.

Thematic Significance of the Departure

The island of Themyscira serves as a sanctified and utopian sanctuary where Diana has grown and learned the values of her people. Her journey to the outside world marks a significant departure from the Amazon Pantheon's protective cocoon. The island is hidden from the outside world and protected by powerful magic, which allows only certain individuals to access it. When Diana crosses this magical boundary to confront the horrors of World War I, she sets in motion a series of events that complicate her return.

Thematic Analysis of the Departure:

The magic of Themyscira is tied to a set of rules, one of which is that leaving the island means renouncing the immortality and protection that it offers. Diana’s choice to leave signifies a commitment to embracing the world of man and fighting for humanity, which is a profound and irreversible decision. The film suggests that the Amazons have a specific destiny and purpose tied to their existence on Themyscira. Diana's journey represents a significant shift from this purpose.

These thematic elements underscore the complexity and finality of her departure, making her return to Themyscira not just logistically difficult but also emotionally and spiritually challenging.

Character Development and the Departure

Diana's journey beyond the confines of Themyscira is a pivotal moment in her character development. It symbolizes her growing understanding and commitment to justice. As she ventures into the world beyond her island, she witnesses firsthand the cruelties and injustices of human nature.

Her experiences in the war are not just transformative but also painful. The films highlights the realization that the fight for good is not an easy or straightforward battle. The complexities of real-world problems, such as the ongoing struggle for goodness and lessened war, necessitate continued involvement in the human world.

Moreover, when Diana returns to her roots after the war, she faces a reality that is vastly different from the idealized version of Themyscira. The reintegration into her previous life is challenging, as she has grown and seen things that are hard to forget or leave behind. The contrast between her experiences in the outside world and her upbringing on the island serves to deepen her character.

Exploring the "You Can Never Go Home Again" Concept

A key theme of the film is the idea that you can never truly go home again. When Diana's mother says she may not return, it's clear that there is a deep concern about her safety and ability to survive the trip. However, the film's conclusion offers a different perspective, suggesting that Diana's reluctance to return is driven by a different set of reasons.

The sense of belonging to the human world is a powerful motivator for Diana. She believes that staying in man's world will help her be the better person she aspires to be and contribute to a more just and peaceful society. This realization is both empowering and heartbreaking. It highlights the ongoing struggle between her Amazonian heritage and her commitment to human values.

In retrospect, when she left Themyscira, it wasn't just a choice between the familiar and the unknown; it was a leap of faith into a realm where her impact could be far-reaching. Her inability to return symbolizes not just a geographical boundary but a spiritual and emotional distance that is difficult to bridge.

Conclusion

The question of why Diana can't return to her island in the 2017 Wonder Woman film is a multifaceted one, delving into themes of character development, thematic implications, and the broader narrative. Diana's journey and her subsequent inability to return to Themyscira are central to her character arc and the movie's overall message. By leaving her island, she embarks on a journey that forever changes her and the world she seeks to protect.