The Blind Side (Symbol)
The book takes its title from the football term "blind side," which refers to the moment in a game where the quarterback's field of vision is obscured before they throw the ball, as they are turning around to do so. This brief instant presents serious danger to players, as it opens them up to being tackled. Lewis uses the term as a symbol throughout the book, both to indicate how the game has evolved over time and how much trust is needed in a good relationship between a quarterback and a left tackle. The left tackle's job is to protect a quarterback's blind side, which makes it an extremely valued role. Lewis emphasizes this closeness in his depiction of the close and caring relationship between Joe Montana and John Ayers both on and off the field. In this way, the blind side functions as a symbol of protectiveness and support, aspects of Michael's character that made him ideal for the role.
Injury (Symbol)
The book opens with a description of a career-ending injury that quarterback Joe Theismann sustains after being sacked by Lawrence Taylor. He suffers a serious compound fracture and is forced to retire shortly after. The impact of his injury is so pronounced that coaches reevaluate their strategy in order to better protect their quarterbacks. This leads to the utilization of the left tackle as a means of countering powerful linebackers like Taylor. The injury works as a symbol of the dramatic stakes presented by the game, and the very serious risks posed in failing to protect quarterbacks.
Hurt Village (Symbol)
Hurt Village, the housing project that Michael grows up in, is a symbol of urban decay and structural inequality. Lewis describes how poverty, violence, and drug addiction run rampant through the area, depriving people like Michael of the attention and opportunities that would allow them to flourish. In this way, Hurt Village works as a symbol of the weight of bad circumstances in which Michael grew up.
New Clothes (Symbol)
The new clothes that Leigh Anne buys for Michael are a symbol of her care. Early in the book, she notices Michael going to school gym on a weekday. Realizing that he is doing so in order to keep warm on a cold day, she decides to take him shopping for clothes. These clothes represent Leigh Anne's first act of kindness towards Michael and the beginning of their close relationships. By making this small gesture, she demonstrates to Michael that she is a caring person that he can rely on.
Spectatorship (Motif)
A major motif in the book is spectatorship. Lewis repeatedly notes how various left tackles would complete spectacular feats of strength and speed, only to be ignored by the audience at home, like John Ayers blocking Lawrence Taylor. By zooming in on these moments but subsequently revealing how they were not perceived by most people, Lewis shows the faults in crowd perception, which only prizes scoring points and does not appreciate the nuances of strategy within the game. Lewis seems to suggest that spectators do not look closely enough to see the truly extraordinary moments.
