What is a Bildungsroman?
A Bildungsroman, also known as an education novel, is a genre of literature primarily focused on the psychological and moral growth of the central protagonist From the German word bildung, meaning "formation" or "education," the Bildungsroman is a story of an individual's coming of age, as the individual moves from an ignorant, inexperienced state to greater maturity and wisdom. Generally, the protagonist is a young person of a lower social class who has a troubled or misunderstood past and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. During the journey, the protagonist encounters many obstacles which he or she must overcome in order to reach maturity.
Bildungsromane are largely concerned with the transition from adolescent naivety and immaturity to adulthood and responsibility. The central individual is often depicted as a dreamer, and it is the interactions with other characters and the events encountered on his or her journey that gradually help the protagonist mature and come to terms with adulthood. As a result, a Bildungsroman is often a coming-of-age story in which moral and psychological development is seen as involving pain, suffering, and loss. Popular examples of this genre usually contain themes of growing up and leaving home, with the protagonist often beginning in a state of innocence or naivety, only to gain knowledge and experience as his or her journey progresses.
Five Best Examples of Bildungsroman
1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Often considered the quintessential Bildungsroman, this novel follows Holden Caulfield, a teenage outcast, as he attempts to make sense of the adult world.
2. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – This classic novel tells the story of young Pip, a poor orphan who aspires to a better life.
3. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain – Twain’s classic follows young Huck Finn as he embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River in search of freedom.
4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath – A semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman struggling to find her place in society.
5. The Color Purple by Alice Walker – Penelope, a young African American woman living in rural Georgia, must find her own way to freedom and independence in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.