Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Writing Magazine

    BUILDING THE BILDUNGSROMAN

    Nov 04, 2021 5 minutes

    We’re all more than familiar with this specific type of coming-of-age genre, because they constitute some of the best tales of our time. Oxford Reference defines the bildungsroman literary genre as a novel dealing with ‘one person’s formative years or spiritual education’. The difference between this, though, and just any ‘coming of age’ story, is that the former requires two specific things: growth and education, whereas coming of age can be any genre and help their protagonist come of age through any means.

    The first classics that probably come to mind are Emma by Jane Austen, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and of course, the entire series of Harry Potter by JK Rowling. Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is practically the queen of coming of age.

    The title of the genre though, as the linguists amongst you would know, is not

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Writing Magazine

    Writing Magazine3 min read
    Understanding Structure
    The concept of story structure might feel restrictive but it can enhance your creative freedom as a novelist. It can help you protect your story’s integrity, streamline your writing process, and boost your confidence, all through an understanding of
    Writing Magazine3 min read
    Standout, Breakout
    For a few years I had pinned above my desk a Private Eye cartoon by Peter Cook. Two literary types at a book launch, ‘I’m writing a novel,’ says one, ‘neither am I,’ replies the other. It’s a curious irony, given the amount of time that authors spend
    Writing Magazine7 min read
    Creative CONTROL
    Cally Taylor proves that crime writers who explore the darkest, murkiest areas of human existence can be amongst the nicest writers you’re likely to meet. ‘Yes! I know! The darkness that looms!’ she laughs. She’s a gregarious livewire to talk to – ge

    Related Books & Audiobooks