In Disney's Encanto, Isabela Madrigal does not love Mariano Guzmán, despite initial plans and expectations for their engagement. Her storyline focuses on a journey of self-discovery and embracing her true identity, rather than finding romantic love with a specific person.
Isabela's Romantic Prospects and True Feelings
Isabela's family, particularly her Abuela Alma, believed that a marriage to Mariano Guzmán would be beneficial for the family and the community. This union was seen as a way to further strengthen the Madrigal family's standing and ensure the prosperity of their village.
- Mariano Guzmán: While Mariano is presented as a kind and gentle suitor, Isabela's feelings towards him were never genuinely romantic.
- She never loved him nor was she truly interested in him.
- Her agreement to marry him stemmed from a desire to make her family happy and fulfill her perceived role as the "perfect" child.
- Throughout the film, she feigned joy about the impending proposal and struggled to admit, even to herself, that she didn't truly love him. This internal conflict was a significant part of her struggle to maintain her perfect facade.
The Thematic Focus of Isabela's Story
Isabela's character arc in Encanto is not centered on romantic relationships. Instead, her narrative explores themes of:
- Breaking Free from Expectations: Isabela felt immense pressure to maintain an image of perfection and beauty, using her gift of growing perfect flowers to uphold this facade. Her journey involves breaking away from these rigid expectations.
- Self-Discovery and Authenticity: With Mirabel's help, Isabela begins to explore the full potential of her powers, growing thorny, wild, and vibrant plants that represent her true, uncontained self. This process signifies her liberation and acceptance of her own unique identity.
- Embracing Imperfection: Her transformation allows her to move beyond the confines of what she thought she should be and embrace who she truly is, including her capacity for growth and change beyond superficial beauty.
Ultimately, Isabela's story is a powerful illustration of self-love and personal liberation, demonstrating that happiness doesn't always come from fulfilling external expectations, especially in matters of the heart.
