I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: Chapter 24 Summary & Analysis

Marguerite’s love for sweets has finally taken its toll—she has two horrible cavities and the pain is excruciating. It becomes clear that she needs to see a dentist. She walks with Momma to the white part of town, and works hard to maintain a dignified appearance and not cry once they cross out of the black area. Momma walks Marguerite to the back of a dentist’s office and knocks on the back door, asking to see Dr. Lincoln.

Dr. Lincoln emerges. Momma explains that Marguerite has two rotten teeth and needs them pulled by a dentist. Dr. Lincoln, choosing his words carefully and calling Momma “Annie,” says he has a policy and “won’t treat colored people.” Momma politely asks him to reconsider. She reminds him that she loaned him money before, and did so without hesitation. He snaps back that he paid back that money, and he will stick to his policy. Momma tries again, saying that Marguerite is only little, and in a great deal of pain. But this time Dr. Lincoln says belligerently: “Annie, my policy is I’d rather stick my hand in a dog’s mouth than in a nigger’s.” He turns his back and goes inside without ever once looking at Marguerite.

Momma and Marguerite catch a Greyhound to Texarkana where they can see a dentist for blacks. Momma is especially nice to Marguerite, and rubs her back and allows her to have ice cream, which is unusual. Marguerite thinks her Momma has been strong and impressive, and is full of love for her.