Ugliness as Resistance in Literature

This chapter explores how Black women writers depict ugliness as a lens for understanding resistance to societal norms rooted in white supremacy and sexism. Through the characters of Ludie Johnson and Mrs. Hedges in Ann Petri's 'The Street', it contrasts traditional beauty with narratives of struggle and autonomy. The discussion reveals the complexities of these characters, emphasizing how their experiences reflect broader themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of freedom amid systemic challenges.