What genre does "Jane Eyre" belong to?

"Jane Eyre" is classified as a Bildungsroman, which is a literary genre focusing on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood. This genre often explores themes of personal development, identity, and self-discovery, which are central to the narrative of "Jane Eyre." The novel follows Jane’s journey as she navigates difficulties in her early life, her quest for independence, and her search for love and belonging. Each of these stages contributes to her overall maturation and understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Other genres listed do not accurately capture the essence of "Jane Eyre." Epic poetry is characterized by long, narrative poems that focus on heroic deeds, which differ significantly from the more personal and introspective narrative of "Jane Eyre." A short story typically features a concise narrative focusing on a single incident or theme, lacking the depth of character development over time seen in "Jane Eyre." Historical fiction emphasizes the recreation of a specific historical period, which is only one aspect of the larger, character-driven narrative present in the novel. Thus, the classification of "Jane Eyre" as a Bildungsroman most effectively describes its thematic focus and narrative structure.