The Vegetarian – Han Kang
At first glance, The Vegetarian appears to present a straightforward clash between the modern values of vegetarianism, often embraced by urban society, and the rigid patriarchal structures common in parts of East Asia. However, this is an oversimplification of the novel’s complexity. The story prompts a deep, uncomfortable reflection on the consequences of self-imposed alienation—a withdrawal so profound that it becomes infuriatingly incomprehensible to others. Through the protagonist’s silence and estrangement, the novel illustrates the painful disconnection that arises when personal choices conflict with societal and ethical expectations. This tension underscores the protagonist’s isolation, cutting off potential connections as her behavior starkly contrasts with accepted norms.
That being said, I still speculate that the story can not be simply understood as a tragedy under social pressure. Even the story itself is covered with a rebellion to the social conventions, there must be something deeper in the recurring themes in the stories. They cannot be simply dismissed as motifs for violence, oppression or self-loathing after trauma in a certain society background, but resonate on a more universal level, touching on shared aspects of humanity transcending boundaries. The Vegetarian certainly address a lurking state that author managed to grip by vehement, unyielding inquisition about our darker, more unfriendly side.
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