The German Bildungsroman

The German Bildungsroman is a literary genre focusing on a character’s psychological and moral growth from youth to adulthood. Originating in 18th- and 19th-century German literature, it explores the protagonist’s journey toward self-discovery, often involving experiences that shape their identity, values, and understanding of the world. Key themes include personal development, moral education, and social integration. Notable examples are Goethe’s *Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship* and Kafka’s *The Metamorphosis*. This genre emphasizes the inner evolution of characters, reflecting broader cultural ideas about individual maturation within society.