Literature: Racial Discrimination in 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'

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How did Momma feel when she had to describe herself to the young white girl?

Humiliated

What physical ailments was the narrator experiencing while waiting at the dentist's back porch?

Toothache and headache

How did Dentist Lincoln respond when Momma brought the narrator to him for treatment?

He said he didn't treat colored people

How did the narrator feel about having to endure the burden of Blackness along with her physical pain?

It seemed terribly unfair Signup and view all the answers

What did Momma expect Dentist Lincoln to do for the narrator?

Treat her for her toothache Signup and view all the answers

What is Momma's policy?

Momma's policy is to not take no for an answer, especially when it comes to her grandbaby. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dentist Lincoln say his policy is?

Dentist Lincoln's policy is to not treat colored people. Signup and view all the answers

What did Momma do for Dentist Lincoln when he was in need?

Momma lent money to Dentist Lincoln to help him out when he stood to lose a building. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dentist Lincoln say he would rather do than help a 'nigger'?

Dentist Lincoln says he would rather stick his hand in a dog's mouth than in a nigger's. Signup and view all the answers

How does Momma react when Dentist Lincoln refuses to help her grandbaby?

Momma backs up inside herself and instructs her daughter to wait for her downstairs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Momma's insistence on Dentist Lincoln helping her grandbaby reveal about her character?

Momma's insistence reveals her determination and selflessness in advocating for her grandbaby's well-being. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author's description of Momma's interaction with Dentist Lincoln contribute to the theme of racial discrimination?

The author's description highlights the pervasive racial discrimination and the impact it has on the characters' interactions and decisions. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Dentist Lincoln's refusal to help Momma's grandbaby reflect the societal power dynamics of the time?

Dentist Lincoln's refusal reflects the unequal power dynamics and the dehumanizing treatment of African Americans during that period. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use imagery and language to convey Momma's emotional state when Dentist Lincoln rejects her plea for help?

The author uses vivid imagery and emotional language to convey Momma's distress and frustration when Dentist Lincoln rejects her plea for help. Signup and view all the answers

What does Momma's response to Dentist Lincoln's refusal reveal about her resilience and determination as a character?

Momma's response reveals her resilience and determination to protect her grandbaby despite facing adversity and discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator feel when Momma described herself to the young white girl?

The humiliation was equal to physical pain. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dentist Lincoln say about treating 'nigra' or colored people?

He said, 'Annie you know I don’t treat nigra, colored people.' Signup and view all the answers

How long did the narrator endure the toothache and headache while waiting at the dentist's back porch?

The toothache had been purt' near four days. Signup and view all the answers

What was Dentist Lincoln's response when Momma brought the narrator for treatment?

He made no comment, orally and facially. Signup and view all the answers

How did Momma describe herself to the young white girl at the back door?

Momma said she wanted to see Dentist Lincoln and to tell him Annie was there. Signup and view all the answers