The Confrontation of Human-Nature Existence in Han Kang’s The Vegetarian

This research examines the confrontation between the existence of the self and nature in Han Kang's novel The Vegetarian.In the novel, the principle of vegetarianism emerges as a response to environmental issues and the mistreatment of animals in society.Specifically, this study focuses on the protagonist's adoption of vegetarian ideology stemming from her childhood trauma.Employing textual analysis methods with an ecocriticism approach, the research investigates the main character's quest for the existence of the self and nature.By applying Irigaray and Marder's theory of the vegetal being, the study uncovers how the protagonist merges her existence with the desire to transform into a tree, striving to exist as a distinct entity.However, the eventual collapse of the protagonist indicates her inability to find meaning in her own existence and the existence of nature.This analysis provides a deeper understanding of the protagonist's journey and the complexities surrounding her relationship with herself and nature.