tooblessedtogetdressed asked: what is a bildungsroman? I've heard that word used in class before but I forget the meaning

A Bildungsroman is, most generally, the story of a single individual’s growth and development within the context of a defined social order. The growth process, at its roots a quest story, has been described as both “an apprenticeship to life” and a “search for meaningful existence within society.” (VIA)

the term bildungsroman encompasses  sub genres that i identity with, some more than others, depending on the day. the kunstlerroman, for instance, deals particularly with artists and their creative growth. i first came across this term after the best professor of my collegiate experience mentioned it in a lecture. this professor was, and remains, incredibly influential on my adult life. he introduced me to all these awing, foreign concepts, in both his message and delivery. his class propelled me to impose some necessary filters (in terms of the person i want to be, what i hope the world will be) to run my thoughts through before i turn them into words or actions. he showed me the power of one’s own wit, how to navigate the sea of global anonymity, and how to accomplish great things despite being ill-equipped for this thing we call life.

needless to say, i was hopelessly in love with him.