Passivity (Dramatic Irony)
In Part 1 of The Vegetarian, Mr. Cheong describes his first impression of his future wife when they began dating. He says, "if there wasn't any special attraction, nor did any particular drawbacks present themselves, and there was no reason for the two of us not to get married" (Part 1). This is an example of dramatic irony because Mr. Cheong is apparently unaware of his own passivity even as he points it out in his chosen partner. For readers, it is obvious that Mr. Cheong's desire to not "affect intellectual leanings in order to win her over," worry about being on time, or care for his appearance demonstrates a lack of effort. Even when Mr. Cheong later acknowledges that he prefers to take the path of least resistance, he continues criticizing his wife.
Agency, Force, and Death (Situational Irony)
As Yeong-hye struggles to assert her agency over her mind and body, she brings herself closer to her own death. This exemplifies situational irony because she is then forced by the hospital staff to do things against her will (such as eating). As In-hye states, "It's your body, you can treat it how you please. The only area where you're free to do just as you like. And even that doesn't turn out how you wanted."
In-hye's Autonomy (Situational Irony)
In spite of In-hye's "devotion to doing things the right way," she realizes that her life never really belonged to her. Being a hard-working and self-sacrificing eldest daughter was merely a coping mechanism. This is an example of situational irony because In-hye expected her strength of character to allow her to "conquer everything, even time" (Part 3). Instead, she suffers from bouts of deep depression and suicidal ideation.
The Minor Polyp (Situational Irony)
In-hye recalls a period of time two years prior when constant bleeding from her vagina made her fear for her life. She expected to be diagnosed with a serious disease, and became "vividly aware" of how much of her life she spent enduring her marriage, a "time utterly devoid of happiness and spontaneity" (Part 3). However, the bleeding turned out to be caused by a small and easily-removed polyp. This incongruous outcome exemplifies situational irony.
