An Eco-Linguistic Study of Kang’s The Vegetarian

Abstract

This research aims to explore the relationship of human language with nature. Mainly, the present research strives to inquire the natural world language used in ‘The Vegetarian’, by Han Kang, a psycho-social novel about a female protagonist and her life situations. The corpus tool AntConc has been used to find the metaphors with the help of keywords in context. It is found out that women and natural resources like trees are harnessed by men for their benefits. Women are more in control of men who do not allow women to enjoy fresh air, rain, sunlight and fragrance. The trees are more free as compared to women. The protagonist’s desire to become a tree is a try to feel naturally normal that is better than to be a woman. The males are found to follow their natural instincts and controlling the same in women. But the novel concludes that nature and women are tired of misuse and it may be destructive for the survival of the universe if positive changes will not be initiated.