Us Against You

How does William serve the literary role of the antagonist? How and why does William see himself as his own protagonist? What does this reveal about human nature?

How does Backman’s narrative structure twist the standard hero versus villain story?

Most of the characters in this novel are trapped in some way. Choose one character to focus on. Analyze the origins of their trap and how they escape the trap. 

Analyze Vidar’s death. Is his death necessary to the plot and character development? Why does Backman choose to sacrifice Vidar’s character?

Analyze the symbolism of the Bears and the Bulls. How do these animals provide an apt metaphor for Beartown and Hed?

What bigger commentary is Backman making about adolescence? How do the teenagers mature, and what do their transformations symbolize?

Consider your own relationship with sports. Are sports important to you? Why, or why not?

Analyze the rivalry between Hed and Beartown, or choose characters in the book who share a rivalry, such as William and Benji. Is this rivalry healthy and motivating, or destructive? Explain your reasoning.