Progressive Movement Practice Exam

Which author is known for highlighting social issues through their work in the early 20th century?

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. Upton Sinclair

3. Ernest Hemingway

4. John Steinbeck

The correct answer is: Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair is recognized for his significant contributions to literature, particularly in highlighting social issues through his powerful and often provocative writing. His most famous work, "The Jungle," published in 1906, exposes the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry and the exploitation of immigrant workers in early 20th-century America. Sinclair's vivid descriptions of the unsanitary conditions in factories and the struggles of laborers brought attention to the need for reform in social and labor policies, leading to public outcry and eventual regulatory changes, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. His approach was often rooted in the principles of social realism, aiming to illuminate the darker aspects of society in order to inspire change. While other authors, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Steinbeck, also addressed social issues in their works, Sinclair's primary focus was on the economic disparities and injustices faced by the working class, making him a pivotal figure in the Progressive Movement.