Concept:A bildungsroman is a novel that traces the moral, psychological, and social growth of a central character through key stages of life.
Explanation:In Richard Wright’s
Native Son, the protagonist Bigger Thomas is presented from a state of fear and confusion to a final understanding of his identity and actions.
The story follows his experiences in poverty, his accidental killing of Mary Dalton, his flight, his capture, and his eventual courtroom reflections.
Each phase pushes Bigger toward a deeper awareness of how society and racism have shaped him.
These stages of personal development are central to a bildungsroman, even though the growth ends in tragedy rather than success.
The novel is not written as a parody, picaresque adventure, or travelogue because its focus is not humour, episodic roguery, or travel descriptions.
Instead, the narrative is closely tied to Bigger’s inner change and self-discovery.
Answer:C. bildungsroman