What does the term "bildungsroman" refer to in literature?

The term "bildungsroman" specifically refers to a genre of literature that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. This coming-of-age story often highlights the challenges and experiences that shape the character’s identity and worldview. Typically, it encompasses themes such as self-discovery, personal development, and the transition from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adult life.

Classics like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship" or Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" serve as prime examples of this genre, illustrating the struggles and lessons learned as the main characters navigate their formative years. Thus, the correct identification of "bildungsroman" as a coming-of-age story aligns perfectly with its definition and historical context within literary studies.