Setting in The Blind Side

Setting

Setting is more than just the places in which something occurs. It can be the time period: 2002-2004; it can be the social setting: the wealthy, white, Christian Memphis in which the Tuohys live or the black, deprived community of Hurt Village run by gangsters such as Alton.

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What is important is the way characters react to different settings and the atmosphere they create.

Hurt Village, Memphis

We see the village that Michael used to live in. In comparison to the rich neighbourhood the Tuohy’s reside, it looks sad and dirty.

Hurt Village, Memphis

They react fearfully. Michael knows the dangers that reside in the houses and the streets, Leigh Anne does not but she is still wary of her surroundings.

Why is Hurt Village important?

Hurt Village is where Michael comes from, and where he goes looking for answers at the end. It provides an important contrast to life with the Tuohys.�

Wingate School, Memphis

This introduces to how starkly different this side of town is in comparison to Hurt Village. It’s clean and occupied by rich people.

Wingate School, Memphis

He is curious about how everything looks but also slightly afraid because this is a new environment.

Why is Wingate important?

It is where Michael’s life begins to change because of Coach Cotton and Mrs. Boswell.�

Tuohy’s home, Memphis

We see how well-off this Tuohy’s are. They are able to provide for him with little to no financial issues.

Tuohy’s home, Memphis

He reacts happily as he has never truly sat down with his family to a eat a big meal like this.

Why is the Tuohy’s home important?

It is where Michael comes to feel loved and wanted for the first time in his life. Where he gains a sense of family.�

Plan this essay question

Describe at least ONE aspect of setting that was important in the text(s).

Explain why an aspect(s) of setting helped you understand a key idea(s). Discuss visual / oral text features in your response.

Note: Setting might include time and / or place.