1. Bildungsroman The Coming-of-Age Story

2. What is a Bildungsroman? The word “ Bildungsroman ” comes from Germany. It means “ the novel of self-cultivation. ” A Bildungsroman is a story that concentrates on the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the protagonist (main character) from childhood to maturity. In other words, it ’ s a story about growing up and becoming an adult.

3. What Usually Happens in a Bildungsroman? As you know from personal experience, growing up is complicated. Growing up takes time, and there are certain things that happen to everyone. There are physical changes (puberty in other words), and there are mental and social changes. A common element in growing up is that growing up isn ’ t easy. It ’ s often painful. But it ’ s necessary.

4. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman The protagonist starts out living a relatively normal, quiet, even boring life at home. The protagonist is young, fairly innocent, and inexperienced.

5. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman Something big happens and the main character is forced to leave home and travel somewhere unfamiliar and scary. Alternately, his/her life at home changes dramatically.

6. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman The protagonist meets people who challenge his/her beliefs about the world. He/she may meet a kind, older person who mentors them, a cruel bully who torments them, or anything in between.

7. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman The protagonist ’ s personal desires and beliefs come into conflict with the rules and beliefs of society around them. The protagonist must choose to conform to his society or reject it… and must live with the consequences!

8. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman The protagonist goes through physical and emotional trials, hard times, and disappointments. Unlike Hero’s Journeys, the story isn’t guaranteed to have a happy ending. The protagonist may be met with success or failure.

9. Common Steps in a Bildungsroman The protagonist ’ s story ends with them either finding a new place in society or rejecting society altogether. They may change the status quo, sell out to fit in, or anything in between. No matter what, the protagonist has grown up and is a sadder, wiser adult.

10. Where do we see Bildungsromans?

11. Everywhere! Fantasy stories: The young hero discovers their real identity or special magical powers. Inner City stories: The young character faces poverty, crime, and racism as he/she tries to improve their life. Military stories: The raw recruit undergoes bootcamp and war in order to become a battle-hardened soldier. High School stories: The young freshman learns how to deal with life by living through high school. Bildungsromans exist in movies, books, and in our own lives.