The Book of Bill

Consider the role of consent in Bill’s control and manipulation of others, as well as how others treat Bill. How does consent affect the breakdown of Bill and Stanford’s relationship? What does this reveal about the themes of trust and connection?

Is Bill telling the truth about his disdain for humanity? Is there an alternative interpretation of Bill’s fascination with Earth? Consider the role of Bill’s characterization of himself in your response.

Although Gravity Falls is considered children’s animation, The Book of Bill emphasizes that it is aimed at an adult audience. How does the book utilize adult themes without sacrificing consistency with the show? Does it remain consistent in tone throughout, or is inconsistency the deliberate point? Use specific examples in your response.

What does Stanford’s perspective—given through the journal entries—add to the book and to the characterization of Bill? How are Stanford and Bill shown to be similar, and what does this say about their respective roles in the narrative?

The historical periods within the book are often presented satirically. Choose one of the time periods Bill visits. How does Bill’s presentation of the people within that time tie to his cynical view of humanity? How does it show hope for humanity as a whole?

Bill includes multiple pages of The Great Gatsby within the text to torment the reader. Analyze the chapter in comparison with the rest of The Book of Bill. Are there any reasons beyond Eckleburg’s symbolic eye that the chapter could have been included? Does it illuminate any themes within the text of the broader book?

Analyze the thematic importance of Fiddleford McGucket within the story. What could Bill’s derision of him indicate? How is it significant that entering McGucket’s mind was the only time Bill experienced pain he did not enjoy?

Is “the reader” a character due to Bill’s breaking of the fourth wall? If so, does the reader have a character arc? How are they defined throughout the book? Use examples in your response.