2. Catcher and the Rye: A Coming of Age novel

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.