Research article
Defying Norms and Redefining Identity: Yeong-hyes Journey in Han Kangs The Vegetarian
KeywordsEcological, identity, resistance, vegetarianism, violence
Article content
Abstract
Rooted in the ostensible noninterventionist South Korean society, Han Kangs novel The Vegetarian brings forth the atypical narrative of the protagonist Yeong-hyes resistance and redefinition of identity through embracing vegetarianism. As food functions as an instrumental tool in the outlandish account of Yeong-hye, this paper tries to inspect its impact on shaping her perceptions towards desire, pleasure, sexuality and identity. Through the lens of Vegetarian Ecofeminism, this study attempts to analyze various aspects of violence like ecological, sexual and physical. Hence, by identifying the metaphor of vegetarianism used as a means for self- reclamation and journeying through the protagonists uncanny transformation, the paper arrives at a profound comprehension of the protagonists complex psyche and an intense exploration of her existential dilemma.
