The Vegetarian

Han Kang’s The Vegetarian is a novel that delves into the complexities of human nature, societal pressures, and the consequences of defying expectations.

Told through the perspectives of those around her—her husband (Part 1), brother-in-law (Part 2), and sister (Part 3)—the novel offers a fragmented and unsettling portrait of Yeong-hye’s descent into isolation and obsession. This narrative structure highlights how she is constantly perceived and interpreted through the lens of others, denied agency and true understanding. Her body becomes a canvas for their desires and anxieties, showcasing the insidious ways society enforces conformity.

In Part 1, we are introduced to Yeong-hye through the detached and somewhat bewildered perspective of her husband, Mr. Cheong. He recounts her sudden aversion to meat, stemming from a series of disturbing dreams, and her subsequent withdrawal from both food and her marital role. Yeong-hye’s quiet resistance to societal norms, embodied in her refusal to eat meat, is met with incomprehension and frustration from her husband, who prioritizes conformity and normalcy. This section establishes the initial cracks in their relationship that set the stage for Yeong-hye’s further descent into a world defined by her internal logic, leaving those around her struggling to understand her transformation.

In Part 2, her brother-in-law’s obsession with her takes center stage, revealing how others project their desires onto her, turning her body into a canvas for their fantasies. This shift underscores how Yeong-hye’s choices—meant to reclaim autonomy—become yet another battleground for others’ control.

By Part 3, as Yeong-hye’s mental and physical state deteriorates, the narrative zooms out to her sister In-hye, who grapples with her own buried struggles and the cost of staying “normal” in a rigid society. In-hye’s reflections offer a poignant contrast: one sister choosing rebellion at all costs, the other enduring conformity and its quiet toll.

The narrative structure of The Vegetarian serves a key purpose: it reflects how Yeong-hye is never truly understood or given agency, even by those closest to her. Instead of hearing her perspective, we see how others project their desires, fears, and frustrations onto her. While this reinforces her symbolic importance, it also raises the question of whether she is truly a protagonist in the traditional sense, as her voice is largely absent. This tension makes the novel compelling and unsettling, but it also contributes to why some readers might feel distanced from her as a character.

So, while Yeong-hye’s journey is central, The Vegetarian also explores the internal struggles of those around her. The novel ultimately asks unsettling questions—forcing readers to confront the difficult questions In-hye faces as she witnesses her sister’s decline: Where do we draw the line between freedom and madness? How much of our identity belongs to us, and how much is shaped—or stolen—by others?

The Vegetarian is a novel rich in symbolism and ambiguity, leaving much to the reader’s interpretation. This, however, can be a double-edged sword. I was on the verge of saying The Vegetarian is overrated, and I wondered why Han Kang deserved to win the Nobel Prize for literature. She won it “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life,” according to The Nobel Prize.

So, back to my double-edged sword remark, while some may appreciate the novel’s nuanced exploration of its themes, others may find it emotionally detached or frustratingly abstract. The lack of a clear resolution and Yeong-hye’s elusive characterization can leave readers feeling distanced and yearning for deeper emotional engagement.

The Vegetarian is a novel that demands a lot from its readers. Its story lingers (I’m still thinking about it days after reading it), provoking reflection on the human condition and the delicate balance between individual freedom and societal expectations. However, its unconventional structure, bleak tone, and focus on symbolism may not resonate with everyone. Ultimately, The Vegetarian rewards those willing to embrace its ambiguity and explore its depths.