Literature

Exploration of Conformity and Consequences : The Vegetarian Review 

By Afra Noor

“She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure.” - Han Kang, The Vegetarian

Warning: Mentions of mental illness and abuse. Please read at your discretion. May contain subtle situational spoilers.

With its powerful imagery and intricate metaphors intertwined, The Vegetarian by South Korean author Han Kang—who was recently awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature—is a thought-provoking fiction novel. Published in 2007, the story is set in modern-day Seoul, South Korea, and focuses on the transformation of Yeong Hye’s life after she declares herself a vegetarian. Through her character, Kang exemplifies themes of bodily autonomy, conformity, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from defying social norms.

Yeong Hye is a part-time graphic artist who lives with her assertive and patriarchal husband. One day, she decides to completely stop eating meat after experiencing unsettling, inexplicable dreams. This singular decision sets off a series of cascading consequences, eliciting a range of reactions from Yeong Hye's family and in-laws.

According to asiasociety.org, in South Korean culture families often view individual actions as reflections of the family’s collective image , and Yeong Hye’s rejection of meat is seen as a challenge to her family’s reputation. Desperate to restore what they perceive as the proper order, her family exerts extreme pressure on her, even resorting to physical violence, in an attempt to force her to abandon her newfound lifestyle.

Kang explores the theme of conformity, showing how adhering to unconventional practices—such as vegetarianism—can lead to ostracization by society. In the novel, Yeong Hye’s actions become a catalyst for her family’s attempts to reinstate control over her, reflecting the broader societal expectations that suppress individuality in favor of collective conformity.

The significance of bodily autonomy is another key concept Kang examines throughout the novel. The family’s anger is largely driven by their inability to control Yeong Hye’s body, which they view as an extension of their own authority. Her increasing defiance—refusing to eat meat, wear a bra, or engage with her family—represents a rejection of their demands and a desire to reclaim agency over her own life.

By the novel’s conclusion, it becomes evident that Yeong Hye is on a self-destructive quest to achieve purity. The symbolic motifs of meat and plants, representing evil and goodness respectively, persist throughout the narrative. Yeong Hye’s isolation and refusal to eat, wear clothes, or engage with others reflect her yearning to live an innocent, untouched life. However, ironically, her self-destruction ultimately suggests that true innocence is unattainable.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is that readers never receive a direct narrative from Yeong Hye herself. The novel is divided into three parts: the first narrated by her husband, the second by her brother-in-law, and the final part by her older sister. This structure reinforces the theme of agency and control, as the perspectives of the other characters dominate Yeong Hye’s story, effectively suppressing her voice.

I highly recommend reading The Vegetarian for its beautiful language, rich symbolism, and exploration of universal themes that resonate beyond South Korean society. Reading it with the Book Club at Bayside was a joyous experience. Based on an anonymous book review form from the club, one member noted, “I liked the various examples of symbolism present in the book and the way it explored heavy topics such as abuse and mental illness.”

Overall, the novel’s exploration of identity, autonomy, and the consequences of societal pressure provides readers with a thought-provoking and deeply emotional experience, making it a worthy read!