Bildungsroman Definition: A novel that traces the moral and spiritual development of a young person from childhood to maturity

a novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education often in the form of an autobiography Some features: 1The reader is engaged in order to be shaped morally, socially and/or . spiritually through reading the novel 2Usually the protagonist is given impetus to leave home through an . emotional loss or trauma 3There are sometimes areas or issues of conflict between the protagonist . and society which are eventually resolved (and the protagonist usually accepting societal values). 4While journeying towards maturity, the protagonist undergoes difficult . but significant events which lead to the protagonist going through inner and outer conflict eg harsh societal elements 5There is often a psychological journey of the self as the main character . develops 6Sometimes, the hero/heroine may assist others in their development . after the characters transformation or realisation of maturity