Which author is remembered for his or her social-ideals novels?

• A. E.B. White
• B. James Thurber
• C. Zora Neale Hurston
• D. John Steinbeck

Answer: (D)

Social-issues fiction highlights how economic hardship, injustice, and power dynamics shape people’s lives and often advocates for reform or greater compassion. John Steinbeck fits this tradition, especially with works from the 1930s that probe the struggles of farmers and migrant workers and critique the social systems that oppress them. Grapes of Wrath stands as a landmark in this regard, vividly portraying Dust Bowl migrants and the inequalities they face while inviting readers to reconsider justice and solidarity. Of Mice and Men also centers on the vulnerable and the gap between the American dream and harsh realities, reinforcing the social critique at the heart of Steinbeck’s work. Other authors on the list are known for different aims: E.B. White for essays and children’s literature; James Thurber for humorous short fiction; Zora Neale Hurston for folklore, ethnography, and cultural expression. Taken together, Steinbeck’s sustained focus on social life and reform-minded concerns makes him the hallmark author of social-ideals novels.