Existential Elements and Symbolism: A Study of The Vegetarian: An Exploration of Identity and the Search for Meaning

Abstract

This study explores the existential and symbolic elements in Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, focusing on the protagonist Yeong-hye's transformation and her rejection of societal norms through the lens of existentialist philosophy. Using qualitative textual analysis, the paper investigates how Yeong-hye’s refusal to eat meat, her psychological breakdown, and her eventual desire to transform into a tree reflect core existential themes such as freedom, alienation, and rebellion. The research positions Yeong-hye’s actions as a form of existential autonomy rather than a mental illness, arguing that her transformation embodies a rebellion against the oppressive societal and patriarchal structures that seek to define her identity. The study also highlights the symbolic role of vegetarianism, bodily autonomy, silence, and the male gaze in The Vegetarian, situating Han Kang’s work within the broader existential discourse. This paper contributes to the understanding of contemporary feminist and postcolonial literature by presenting Yeong-hye’s transformation as an act of existential resistance, offering a new perspective on the complex interplay between identity, freedom, and oppression in modern fiction.