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The Vegetarian
July 2019: The Vegetarian
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Part Three: Thoughts + Comments
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Tessa, Founder + Curator
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Jul 09, 2019 10:41AM
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Just finished it and I liked it. The Catalan version I've read includes an interview with the writer in which she talks about the meaning of Yeong-hye's Vegetarianism. She says that (view spoiler), no surprise here, I expected something more elaborated in the book.I liked the moment when her sister has a moment of "bliss" and understands what she has done with her life. (view spoiler)
It's interesting to see the reasons she gives to have got married to his husband, just because he came from a "good" family and thought that would be going up in the social ladder for her.
What do you think the final message could be? Do something to improve the world? Live your life and don't let others lead your life?
It's nice to see her sister staying with her at the end but I the treatment Yeong-hye made me sad as it is her will and I think it should be respected. So many animals want to life but they are killed but, as she is a human, they want to keep her alive no matter what, I saw some irony there.
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I really liked getting In-hye's perspective. She feels so much responsibility for everyone and everything - her business, her household, her son, her sister - it's hard not to feel for her. She holds so much guilt.
I was struck by the fact that In-hye feels so responsible for what has happened to Yeong-hye. From not defending her against their father to not stopping Yeong-hye from marrying her husband...she's clearly trying to make up for all those times she wasn't really there to protect her sister. It's sad. There is only so much one person can do and they cannot control everything. I think these feelings are all too common for women, unfortunately.
I noticed that, when discussing her sister's life, In-hye goes from "Yeong-hye got married" to "She grew more and more taciturn" - I couldn't help but wonder if these two things are related? Yeong-hye was apparently always fairly reserved, but it seems like she got "worse" after her marriage. Did her husband stifle her? Even more so than her father? Is this what happens after a woman marries?
It's amazing how In-hye stands by Yeong-hye. Their family basically abandoned her, and In-hye easily could as well. But there's clearly some sort of love there - and eventually an understanding. It was nice to see.
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Ooh, I'm wondering about the reasons she gave for marrying her husband. I don't remember that in the English translation, but perhaps I somehow glossed over it? That's very interesting, I'm going to go back through this part to see if I can find it.
I read there have been controversies regarding the English translation though, that the translator may have taken some liberties.
Tessa wrote: was struck by the fact that In-hye feels so responsible for what has happened to Yeong-hye. From not defending her against their father to not stopping Yeong-hye from marrying her husband...she's clearly trying to make up for all those times she wasn't really there to protect her sister. It's sad. There is only so much one person can do and they cannot control everything. I think these feelings are all too common for women, unfortunately.
I totally agree with you here. She's taking all the responsibility and it is too much for her. We women are taught to feel guilty and responsible for everything. Her sister is the only one to reach a hand to her. The best character in my opinion.
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was struck by the fact that In-hye feels so responsible for what has happened to Yeong-hye. From not defending her against their father to not stopping Yeong-hye from marrying her hu..."
Yes, totally agree. In-hye at least tries, which is more than can be said for everyone else in Yeong-hye's life. I really think she wants what's best for her sister, unlike the other narrators, who only want what's best for them.
