The Adventures of Augie March

The Adventures of Augie March has been described as both a picaresque novel and a bildungsroman. At its core, a picaresque novel is characterized by several key elements and themes that distinguish it from other genres, namely a protagonist who is a rogue or an antihero. This character, called a picaro, is often from a lower social class and is compelled to engage in deception, trickery, and cunning to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. Instead of a linear, tightly plotted narrative, picaresque novels consist of loosely connected episodes or adventures that the picaro experiences as they move through society. Through their eyes, the author exposes the moral decay, corruption, and hypocrisy of their society. The picaro’s subversive actions and observations highlight the flaws and injustices of the world, providing critical commentary on the prevailing social, political, and economic conditions of the time. They are typically born into a lower social class and aspire to improve their station in life. Their journey involves encounters with characters from various social backgrounds, providing insights into the rigid class structures and challenges of upward mobility.

Picaresque novels often employ a first-person narrative style with the picaro serving as the storyteller. The storyteller often occupies unfamiliar spaces. These settings become symbolic of the picaro’s outsider status and are often used to further the social critique embedded in the narrative. Unlike traditional novels that often feature a morally upright protagonist who undergoes a transformative journey, picaresque novels typically lack a redemptive arc for the picaro. The picaro’s roguish nature and survival instincts persist throughout the narrative, challenging conventional notions of character development and moral growth.

A bildungsroman is a distinct genre that focuses on the moral, psychological, and intellectual development of a central character, typically a young protagonist. Often referred to as “coming-of-age” novels, bildungsromans trace a character’s journey from youth to adulthood, exploring the challenges, experiences, and self-discovery that shape their identity and worldview. The core of a bildungsroman lies in the protagonist’s personal growth and maturation. Readers witness their transformation as they transition from innocence to experience, navigating life’s complexities. Bildungsroman narratives delve deep into the protagonist’s quest for identity. This exploration is influenced by their interactions with society, culture, and their own introspection. The story’s setting and context also play a pivotal role in shaping the protagonist’s journey. The challenges and opportunities presented by their environment, including social class, family dynamics, and cultural norms, are central to their development. Beyond intellectual growth, bildungsromans emphasize emotional and moral development. Protagonists confront ethical dilemmas, make pivotal choices, and learn from their experiences, evolving into more self-aware and ethically mature individuals.

While often following a linear narrative structure, bildungsroman stories may also incorporate flashbacks, reflections, or nonlinear storytelling techniques to emphasize the character’s inner struggles and transformation. A central conflict, internal or external, typically propels the narrative forward. The character must grapple with and ultimately resolve these conflicts as part of their personal growth.