Kunstlerroman
A Kunstlerroman is a literary genre that focuses on the development of an artist, often from childhood to maturity. This narrative typically explores the protagonist's struggles, inspirations, and the challenges they face in their creative journey. The term originates from the German words "Künstler," meaning artist, and "Roman," meaning novel.
In a Kunstlerroman, the artist's personal growth is intertwined with their artistic evolution. Common themes include the search for identity, the impact of society on creativity, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Notable examples include James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse."