Final answer:
The novel is a Bildungsroman, focusing on Richard's education at Hampden college and his self-growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel in question is a Bildungsroman, which is a coming of age story that focuses on the protagonist's personal growth and transformation. In this case, the novel chronicles Richard's education at Hampden College and his journey towards self-discovery. This genre often involves a young person becoming an adult and changing fundamentally by surviving a challenging moment or series of events.