Bildungsroman Theory

The Bildungsroman theory refers to a literary genre focused on the moral and psychological growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. These stories explore how characters develop their identity, values, and understanding of the world through experiences, challenges, and self-discovery. Essentially, they depict a journey of personal formation, often emphasizing education, relationships, and internal conflict. The term originates from German literature, with classic examples like Goethe’s "Wilhelm Meister." Overall, Bildungsroman stories aim to illustrate how individuals evolve over time, highlighting the processes that shape mature, self-aware persons.