Compare And Contrast

Worksheet Description

This educational worksheet provides an analytical framework for students to distinguish between the concepts of Bildungsroman and Coming of Age novels, which are frequently and mistakenly conflated. The worksheet is divided into three sections for students to list characteristics specific to Bildungsroman, unique to Coming of Age novels, and those common to both. This layout assists students in understanding the nuanced differences and commonalities between the two literary categories.

The Bildungsroman is a genre that traditionally details the protagonist’s psychological and moral growth, hence the term ‘novel of formation.’ It tends to focus on the protagonist’s personal development from youth to adulthood. Coming of Age novels, while similar, may not always delve as deeply into the protagonist’s inner life or moral development but instead focus on the experience of ‘growing up’ and the challenges associated with it. Both genres often explore themes of self-discovery and the transition from youth to the adult world. This worksheet encourages critical thinking and comparative analysis, prompting students to engage with literature on a deeper level, considering not just the storyline but the thematic and structural elements that define these transformative narratives.