The Blind Side Essay Questions

What is the significance of the book's title?

The title of the book refers to a moment of vulnerability experienced by the quarterback right before they throw the ball. Their field of vision is briefly obscured, which leaves them open to being sacked by an opposing player. To compensate for this, coaches like Bill Walsh began to use players in the left tackle position to counter aggressive linebackers. The title indicates why the game evolved and how it opened the door for a player with Michael's specific set of skills.

How is the theme of racism discussed in the book?

The theme of racism appears in the book within the context of Michael's life and the public perception of the Tuohy family. The chapters detailing Michael's harrowing childhood and everyday struggles for food and shelter effectively show the structural inequality and unofficial segregation in Memphis. Relatedly, Leigh Anne is asked many offensive questions about Michael (and her motivations for taking him in) by close friends and family. These disturbing moments reveal how deeply embedded casual racism is in the world portrayed by the book.

How is the college football recruitment process portrayed in the book?

The culture around college football recruitment comes off poorly in the book. It shows how coaches intensely pursue players from a young age, attempting to draw them in with whatever methods prove most effective, but it does not support them properly when they arrive at school. Without stating it outright, Lewis frames the process as one that takes advantage of young athletes, using them to bolster their school's performance but not ultimately benefitting them.

How does Lewis frame the audience view of left tackles?

Lewis shows how left tackles like John Ayers and Jonathan Ogden go overlooked, despite their incredible feats of athleticism. While Lewis zeroes in on the important moments of their careers, like Ayers stopping Taylor and Ogden nearly keeping pace with a quarterback, he is quick to note that these are brief instances no one else is taking note of. In this way, he frames them as unsung heroes, as the audience barely registers them, despite their importance to the game.

What does Lewis seem to say ultimately protects Michael from the dangers of the football world?

Lewis suggests that the love and support the Tuohys show Michael plays a huge role in shielding Michael from the potential pitfalls of the world of sports. While his ability is what draws the attention of coaches and scouts, the Tuohys keep him grounded. Lewis uses the stories of other successful college athletes to show how that kind of success does not always lead to happy outcomes, as many players can easily end up returning to poverty without guidance, as the system does not have their best interests in mind. Michael is guarded against this by the Tuohys' persistent focus on making sure he is not just performing on the field but also feels emotionally secure and stable in new contexts.