Bildungsroman (pronounced:
bill-doongz-roh-man)
A literary device of two German words: Bildung,
which means ‘education’, and Roman, which means ‘novel’.
Hence, bildungsroman
is a story that addresses the growing up and maturing years (formative years)
of the main character. This genre has come to be known as a coming-of-age
story.
The key aspects of a bildungsroman story are the young
person’s psychological and spiritual development and moral education as he or she progresses through life’s challenges and obstacles to reach adulthood.
Originally in the 17th century when these stories
first appeared and through the 19th century, the endings were more
or less positive for the young hero or
heroine. In the 20th century, however, bildungsroman stories went down a
path away from the generally happy and satisfying ending to a darker ending of
resignation of what life has handed the protagonist or even with the death of
the character.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote one of the earliest bildrungstoman novels.
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| image from Amazon.com |
Whether with the traditional happy ending or the darker, more modern ending, bildungsroman is, at its core, the story of a
sensitive youth, who searches for answers to his or her questions. Generally, these
stories begin with a loss or tragedy that disturbs this young person emotionally
and that event is usually followed by four story elements over the course of this character’s life.
- A journey – character embarks upon a physical and/or psychological/spiritual discovery
- A struggle for identity – character often pushes limits and boundaries
- A societal conflict – character struggles to conform, fit in, deal with authority
- A loss of innocence – death of someone close often creates resolution hand-in-hand with loss of innocence
This is a shamefully truncated list of better-known bildungsroman-themed novels
and movies:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Jane Eyre
- Great Expectations
- David Copperfield
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| cover courtesy openlibrary.org |
- Little Women
- Forrest Gump
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- Gone with the Wind
- Catcher in the Rye
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| cover courtesy openlibrary.org |
- A Separate Peace
- Dirty Dancing
- Almost Famous
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- The Outsiders
- Johnny Tremain
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| cover courtesy openlibrary.org |
- Harry Potter series
- Percy Jackson series
- American Graffiti
- The Breakfast Club
- Stand By Me
- The Lion King
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| cover courtesy openlibrary.org |
Now, readers, I have a question and a favor.
Question: What are your favorite better-known bildungsroman-themed books and movies?
Favor: I’m looking for suggestions of lesser-known bildungsroman-themed
books and movies. I particularly want those gems that are yet to be discovered and appreciated for the treasures they are. I’m fond of historical settings over contemporary, but I
appreciate any and all suggestions.
Recommendations…?
Until next time,
Kaye Spencer
Stay in contact with Kaye—
Resources:
“Bildungsroman.” Literary
Devices, definition and examples of literary terms. Bildungsroman
definition. https://lilterarydevices.net/bildungsroman/. Accessed 23 Fe. 2020.
“Buildungsroman.” Merriam-Webster.com
Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bildungsroman.
Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.
“Bildungsroman, German Literary Genre.” Encyclopaedia Britanica. https://www.britannica.com/art/novel-of-manners.
Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.
“Bildungsroman: What the Heck is That?” ProWritingAid. https://prowritingaid.com/art/833/bildungsroman%3A-what-the-heck-is-that.aspx.
Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.
