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The Bildungsroman is a genre of novel that depicts a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the trials and challenges that contribute to their development. The term is derived from the German words 'bildung', meaning 'formation', and 'roman', meaning 'novel'. Often referred to as a 'coming-of-age novel', a Bildungsroman typically begins with a protagonist feeling alienated and concludes with them achieving a sense of belonging or self-realization. The journey usually involves themes of psychological and philosophical maturation, as illustrated in John Green's novel 'The Fault in Our Stars', where the main character, Hazel, grapples with grief and personal growth after the loss of her boyfriend, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of life despite suffering.