The Mind’s Hunger: Unveiling the Layers of the Vegetarian -MSF Sadib

Han Kang’s The Vegetarian can be categorized in various ways. It’s a pseudo-surreal saga and, at the same time, a rebellion against social norms. As the saying goes, “Many men, many minds,” and this novel epitomizes that sentiment by clawing at you with an unknown coldness intertwined with modest humor.

This was my first encounter with Han Kang’s work, and yet she managed to create an intense but slow-paced atmosphere in The Vegetarian—one that feels oddly familiar and pure at its core. Being an avid reader and admirer of Haruki Murakami’s novels, I couldn’t help but notice how The Vegetarian mirrors his artistic touch. Han strikes a delicate balance among her characters, refusing to push any one of them into the clear role of a protagonist. At first, you may assume Yeong-hye is the central figure, but by the end, you might question who truly holds the lead role.

As the title suggests, the novel begins with Yeong-hye’s sudden decision to become a vegetarian, an act that upends her life and those around her. Within the first few pages, you’re drawn into the mystery of her choice, pondering its implications and how it reshapes her relationships. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three narrators: Yeong-hye’s husband, her brother-in-law, and her elder sister. Through their observations and judgments, we piece together a fragmented portrait of Yeong-hye. Sometimes these perspectives are harshly critical, other times tinged with sympathy or quiet mercy.

The Vegetarian serves as a striking metaphor for social crises, identity struggles, and the pervasive dogma of societal expectations. Everyone around Yeong-hye seeks to “fix” her in some way, but few genuinely attempt to understand her motives. Her dreams, often violent and vivid, act as windows into her psyche, but these are ignored or dismissed by those closest to her. Her family’s unyielding attempts to return her to a life of conformity—to abandon her vegetarianism and revert to her old self—reflect a collective inability to accept her autonomy and evolving mindset.

Yeong-hye, depicted as a reserved and introverted woman, becomes a powerful symbol through her decision to embrace vegetarianism, challenging familial and societal norms. Her silent rebellion and steadfastness serve as the foundation for the novel’s emotional and philosophical weight. Han Kang skillfully weaves a tale of defiance, where a seemingly simple choice sparks cascading consequences.

While The Vegetarian defies easy categorization, its narrative is fast-paced and engrossing, delivering an experience that feels both unsettling and cathartic. Yeong-hye’s gradual descent into mental instability is portrayed with haunting beauty, immersing readers in a trance-like state as they yearn to uncover more. Her serenity contrasts sharply with her moments of melancholic despair, creating a layered portrayal of a mind in turmoil.

Although the theme of mental instability born from social dilemmas is not new to literature—Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human masterfully explores such struggles through Yozo’s story—The Vegetarian brings a fresh perspective. It offers readers a broad interpretative space, allowing for diverse angles of analysis regarding Yeong-hye’s philosophy and actions.

Ultimately, The Vegetarian is a must-read for those who appreciate a fast-paced narrative paired with an intriguing, thought-provoking plot. Han Kang invites readers into a world where choices and identities clash with societal expectations, leaving them questioning the boundaries of freedom, sanity, and conformity.