The novel masterfully explores the tension between personal autonomy and societal control, particularly through Yeong-hye's increasingly extreme attempts to claim ownership over her own body. Her vegetarianism evolves from a dietary choice into a form of resistance against the oppressive forces in her life, ultimately leading to her desire to transcend human form altogether.

Violence manifests throughout the narrative in multiple ways - from the brutal dreams that initiate Yeong-hye's transformation to the physical and emotional abuse she endures from family members. The story presents violence as both an external force and an internal struggle, suggesting that it's an inherent part of human nature that some seek to escape.

The protagonist's descent into what others perceive as madness serves as a powerful commentary on social conformity and mental health stigma. Her behavior, while viewed as insanity by those around her, can also be interpreted as a radical form of clarity and resistance against societal expectations.