Bildungsroman - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A bildungsroman is a novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood, often depicting their personal development and life lessons.
Definition:
A novel about the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist, often from youth to adulthood.
Synonyms:
coming-of-age novel, developmental novel, apprenticeship novel
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
static narrative, episodic tale
Common Collocations:
classic bildungsroman, modern bildungsroman, protagonist’s journey, literary genre, character development
Derivatives:
bildungsromane (plural), bildungsromanic (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use 'bildungsroman' to describe novels focusing on a character’s personal growth and maturation over time.
Common Phrases:
coming-of-age story, journey of self-discovery, rites of passage
Etymology:
From German 'Bildung' (education) + 'Roman' (novel), coined in the early 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. The bildungsroman follows the protagonist’s journey from innocence to experience.
- 2. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic American bildungsroman.
- 3. Many readers relate to the struggles in a bildungsroman.
- 4. The novel’s structure mirrors a traditional bildungsroman format.