Catcher and the Rye:A Coming of Age novel

Genre Format Called a Bildungsroman

novel. This type of novel

concentrates on the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the main character.

Character passes from childhood to maturity (physical, psychological, social, sexual).

Elements of Bildungsroman -The protagonist

must have some reason to go on this journey.

-A loss or discontent must jar him or her at an early stage away from the home or family setting.

The Process-The process of maturation

is long, difficult, and gradual.

-It consists of repeated

clashes between the

needs or desires of the

hero and the views and

judgments enforced by an

unbending social order.

Process of Bildungsroman -Eventually, the spirit and values of the

social order become present in the protagonist, who is then accommodated into society.

-The novel ends with an assessment by the protagonist of himself/herself and his/her new place in that society.