This study examines Han Kang’s novel, the vegetarian, through the synergistic approaches of critical plant studies and animal studies, suggesting that, this novel challenges traditional western anthropocentric narratives by accentuating subjectivity and ethical significance to both animal and plants. Tracing Yeong-Hye’s rejection of meat and identification with plant, this work examines how she challenges the hierarchical separation of human, plants, and animals that has shaped historical western narratives Since the publication of the vegetarian, many scholarly studies have been made on, focusing mainly on feminism, patriarchy oppression, veganism, psycho analysis, trauma studies, and bodily autonomy. While these scholarly research works have given insights into the layers of this novel, very less studies have been made, simultaneously on critical plant studies and animal Ethics. Grounded in the theoretical insights of Michael Marder, Luce Irigaray and Carol J. Adams, this article will examine the vegetarian through the complementary perspectives of critical plant studies and animal studies.

Key words: plant subjectivity, animal subjectivity, vegetal agency, ecological ethics.