The Transformation of Yeong-Hye in The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Abstract

This thesis explores the profound transformation of the character, Yeong-Hye within Han Kang's groundbreaking novel The Vegetarian. It is indeed a hypothetical framework by employing Deleuze and Guattari's revolutionary concept of becoming animal. The study illustrates how the protagonist, Yeong-Hye comes with an evolutionary transformation from a submissive housewife toward a rebellious incarnation that tries to break free from all synthetic social boundaries. However, this radical metamorphosis constitutes a metaphor, a deep philosophical resistance against the social norms, the mechanisms of masculine dominion, institutional surveillance, and physical suppression. It reviews the existing literary criticism and theoretical texts that addresses the crucial themes of identity development. It further analyses the acts of resistance, and post-human transformation that will support the subsequent philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. The crucial textual analysis of The Vegetarian focuses on Yeong-Hye's enlightened separation from the binding social world and human restrictions. The chapter reveals and tries to demonstrate how her refusal of eating meat and her desire to live like plant isn’t insanity. Drawing upon Deleuze and Guattari's concept of Becoming, the thesis argues her transformation as a deliberate philosophical act an escape from restrictive social norms and hierarchy imposed by society. Finally, the thesis concludes that Yeong-Hye's journey can be understood as an agonizing yet liberating illustrations of becoming-animal The Vegetarian emerges not merely as a narrative of individual rebellion, but it serves as a philosophical work that questions human-centered thinking and creates new ways to understand the complex nature of existence.