DILUTED ASPECTS OF THE BILDUNGSROMAN IN EXTINCTION - A COLLAPSE, BY THOMAS BERNHARD

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight a few characteristics on the concept of Bildungsroman in Thomas Bernhard's Extinction (1986). The term Bildungsroman becomes well known when associated with Goethe's Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship Years (1795-1796). Nonetheless, since the historical presuppositions present within the Goethian paradigm have changed, the Bildungsroman elements may be found diluted in works which present traits of this genre. The novel Extinction holds similarities with the narrative progressions of the Bildungsroman; however, they are present in a diluted way.