From Huck Finn to Jane Eyre, some of the most successful and memorable works of literature follow protagonists on their path to enlightenment and maturity.
Such books are known as Bildungsroman novels. I know what you’re thinking: a what??? But a Bildungsroman isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, some of your favorite stories probably fall under this category!
What Is a Bildungsroman Novel?
The term “Bildungsroman” describes a novel that deals with the protagonist’s formative years and psychological growth from adolescence to adulthood. The term and genre have German origins, with “bildung” meaning “education” and “roman” meaning “novel.” Thus, stories in this genre are “novels of education.”
This may lead you to conclude that Bildungsroman novels are equivalent to what we call “coming-of-age” stories. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but that’s not always correct.
A coming-of-age story is a more generic term for a novel about growing up that can fall into pretty much any genre. A Bildungsroman is a specific literary genre about the growth and education of a character from from lost child to mature adult.
Bildungsroman novels are generally written from the first-person point of view, and often include the protagonist’s name in the title (such as Jane Eyre or David Copperfield).
What Are the Four Stages of Bildungsroman?
Bildungsroman novels generally contain 4 stages that lead the protagonist through their transformation:
1. Loss
The protagonist experiences a profound loss at the beginning of the novel, usually during their early formative years. This could be a death, or perhaps the end of a significant relationship.
2. Journey
Following this loss, the protagonist embarks on a journey, which can be physical or metaphorical, to find the answer to a big question. In the process, they will gain life experience that helps them better understand life and the world.
3. Conflict and personal growth
The journey isn’t easy, and the protagonist makes at least a few mistakes along the way and is usually at odds with society. But as the story progresses, they slowly begin to accept the ideals of society.
4. Maturity
By the end of the novel, the protagonist demonstrates significant change, psychological growth, , and maturity. The story sometimes ends with them helping someone else on their path to maturity.
What Is an Example of Bildungsroman?
Below are 3 classic novels that can be considered part of the Bildungsroman genre:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
This novel follows the protagonist, Jane Eyre, from her abusive childhood to life as a young adult. Along the way she makes friends, works as a governess, and falls in love with her employer. Throughout this journey, Jane struggles to find her place, but eventually realizes her purpose in society.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Great Expectations tells the story of an orphan, Pip, who comes into money suddenly. This prompts him to leave behind his life of poverty, as he starts anew living the life of a gentleman. The novel follows Pip over a period of decades and takes readers through his personal growth and development.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This classic follows a young girl in the South who experiences hate from her community when her father defends a black man accused of committing a crime. After witnessing injustice and racism, Scout transforms from an innocent, naive girl and comes to learn that life isn’t always fair.
Is Harry Potter a Bildungsroman?
When viewed as a whole, the seven books of the Harry Potter series can be considered a Bildungsroman.
The series follows Harry from ages 11 to 17, as he grows from a sad, lonely child to a full-fledged, heroic wizard.
More Books Like Bildungsroman Novels
Although not all books about young people and “coming-of-age” stories can be considered Bildungsroman novels, many young adult series explore similar themes.
If you’re looking for a lighter read that documents the experiences of young people, check out our list of funny books for teens.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Very informative and I also had only recently heard the term. Several Hesse novels come to mind.
I was hoping for a few more examples of bildungsroman in modern fiction. I had to give up on rereading To Kill A Mockingbird because I didn’t want the dialect to affect my writing style. Would Circle of Magic qualify?
The novel, popular among young people for generations, “Of Human Bondage”, is a classic of the genre.
Today I watched “Life after Life” on BBC iPlayer, (trailer available on YouTube) and remarked that it was a splendid and unique working of this popular style. Bildungsromans are not just for young readers, though mature readers may be beset with melancholy after indulging.
Thanks for the recommendations, Marisa!
Over 50 and this is the first I’ve heard of this term. A quick search landed me on your article. Wow! Your post is simple and precise. Makes me excited to learn. Well done. Thank you.
Hey Treasa, we’re glad you found Kaelyn’s post helpful!
Thank you for a wonderfully precise and clear essay on the two novel forms.It was refreshing for this 84-year-old English professor/Episcopal priest.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, John! :)
I also enjoyed it thanks
Thanks for this amazing article! This helped me understand Bildungsroman more than anything that I’ve ever researched.
I’m so glad to hear that, Nick! It’s a strange term, but once you understand it, you’ll realize you’ve probably read many of them :)
can you send a notes for bildungsromans technique
Hi Mercy, not sure I understand your comment. What do you need exactly?
Great information! Very helpful! Thank youuuu! :)))
You’re very welcome Marcos, we’re glad you enjoyed the post! :)
This was a very helpful information thank you
You’re very welcome Britney, glad it was helpful!
That was so helpful, Thank you so much.
You’re very welcome, Kali! Glad you found it helpful :)