What is a Bildungsroman?

The term Bildungsroman is used to describe a genre of fiction which describes the protagonist's formative years, the process of growing up and/or their spiritual development. These novels often focus on the psychological and moral views of the protagonist.

The term is a compound form of the German nouns Bildung = education and Roman = novel.

There are many notable examples of Bildungsroman, such as Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha.

It is importance to understand the term because lots of these novels appear on A level specifications, such as Jane Eyre, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Examine the view that Blanche’s attitude to sex and sexuality creates conflict in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.


How do I go about writing comparative essays?


‘Othello’ – William Shakespeare ‘Ultimately it is hard to see Emilia as anything other than a tragic victim of male power and malice.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? [...] comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods.


How should I write a conclusion?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences